Environmental Vision

1. the outlines of the quality of the living environment;
2. the outline of the proposed development, use, management, protection and preservation of the Aalten territory;
3. the main points of the integrated policy to be pursued for the living environment (which involves not only space, but also health and safety).

In 2024 and 2025, we engaged in discussions with residents about their living environment in the coming years. Based on the outcomes of those discussions (see 'reports of the environmental discussions' below), a preliminary draft environmental vision was created. The vision provides an overview of the municipality's objectives, for example in the areas of housing, sustainability, and recreation.

The preliminary draft environmental vision outlines four possible scenarios for 'Aalten in 2040'. Based on these four scenarios, the municipal executive has identified one preferred scenario. The municipal council will decide on this in February. This scenario provides an initial outline of the main points and will be further elaborated upon after the decision has been made.

The preferred scenario

Scenario 2,‘moderate growth while maintaining quality’, is the preferred scenario for the municipality of Aalten. In this scenario, we will continue to focus on increasing the number of homes. In addition to the first 900 homes in scenario 1, approximately 450 additional homes will be built by 2040, bringing the total number of new homes to around 1,350. Young people and the elderly will have a better chance of finding a home, and population growth will contribute to the maintenance of facilities such as schools, shops, and sports clubs. Spatial development will remain small-scale and village-like. Expansions will be limited, and green spaces and the landscape will be restored and enhanced in parallel with housing development, with the preservation of the village character as the starting point. Scenario 2 therefore offers slightly more growth to further support quality of life compared to scenario 1, but remains a cautious middle ground. The community will receive a modest boost without losing the charm of the Achterhoek region.

You can read the detailed description of scenario 2 and the appendices in:

•  Preliminary draft of the Aalten 2040 environmental vision (from page 16).
• Appendix 1: Ingredients
• Appendix 2: Analysis and preferred scenario