The municipal council of Midden-Drenthe has approved an amendment that makes housing construction possible in phases in the hamlets of Alting and Smalbroek. In Alting, space is provided for a maximum of 350 homes, in Smalbroek for a maximum of 500.
The amendment, jointly submitted by PvdA, GroenLinks, CDA, VVD, ChristenUnie, D66 and Positive Vooruit, received sixteen votes in favor and seven against last night. Municipal interests BBBondgenoot and Onhouden Midden-Drenthe voted against.
On behalf of the submitting factions, Gineke Radix-Feijen (Positief Vooruit) explained that the amendment stems from “careful cooperation between several factions” and is intended to build “responsibly but energetically”. “Our shared goal is clear: realizing new homes quickly, but responsibly, with an eye for quality, quality of life and support,” says Radix-Feijen.
Marten Leistra (D66) called the housing shortage in the municipality dire. “I know many young people who would like to live on their own, but cannot make that step. And there are also elderly people who cannot find another home.” He advocates “affordable, sustainable and landscape-responsible construction”.
Before drawing up the environmental plans, the council first wants to see the results of various feasibility studies into soil, water management, traffic, landscape and finances, among other things. Only after discussing the research results can the council proceed with drawing up the plans.
Jannes Kerssies (Municipal Interests BBBondgenoot) said on behalf of his group that he remained opposed to the proposed housing construction. According to him, there is a lack of communication towards the neighborhoods and attention to affordability. “We get the impression that affordability is being neglected. At the moment we are not in the mood for this.”
Both neighborhoods are also against large-scale housing construction and have already reported this to the municipality several times. Councilor Rieja Raven acknowledges that housing construction has a major impact on the residents of Alting and Smalbroek. According to her, it remains essential to continue to involve residents in the plans.
“Only by continuing to talk can we build the communities that make Beilen strong,” says Raven. “This development is important for the future prospects of our entire municipality.”