There are 580 monumental farms in Drenthe. As far as historical geographer Elyze Storms of Wageningen University is concerned, they could account for 1,300 of the 13,000 homes that Drenthe has to realize.
“What if we could use 10 percent of that to repurpose vacant agricultural heritage? I think that in this way you can give heritage a bright future. And at the same time keep that beautiful agricultural landscape free. Because how bad would it be if you which will fill up meadows and fields, while we also have vacant agricultural heritage,” she says.
As a historical geographer, she looks beyond the farm. “I also look at the connection with the yard, the lands, the village and road structures. The whole coherence: physically functional, but also socially. How the heritage has functioned over the years and what it has meant for people. “
She continues: “If you look at heritage in this way, it also makes more sense to see it as part of society and the living environment. Something we want to pass on to future generations. After all, we also face other challenges, such as sustainability. and adaptation to climate.”
At a symposium last night about agricultural heritage for municipalities, provinces and owners, she explains that when repurposing, you should not only look at the economic value of a property. When repurposing, she sees that large catering establishments are often chosen. But this does not always contribute to the cohesion in a village.
“What if you used such a large farm for the elderly or for young people to live together in a community? Then you also contribute something to community building.”
She points out that with the introduction of the Environment and Planning Act on January 1, 2024, citizen participation is an integral part of decision-making on these kinds of things. “Don’t see this as a mandatory number, but above all as an opportunity to do it together.”