Preliminary Draft of Omgevingsvisie of Aalten, February 2026

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 omgevingsvisie 2040 omgevingsvisie (starting on page 16).
• Appendix 1: Ingredients
• Appendix 2: Analysis and preferred scenario
• City Council Resolution, February 2026