Omgevingsvisie Voorne aan Zee

The Voorne aan Zee Environmental Vision describes a long-term outline vision for the living environment. The proverbial "dot on the horizon. The vision contains many themes that all relate to the physical environment. These include climate, energy, health, mobility, recreation, nature and landscape, industry, housing and social facilities. We also establish a relationship with the social domain. We set ambitious goals in the environmental vision, but it is also a realistic story. The vision addresses the necessary actions for necessary spatial tasks. It is always important to weigh the various themes and make clear choices about what has or has not priority. This also clarifies whether new spatial developments in Voorne aan Zee contribute to the long-term vision.

Preparation for the Voorne aan Zee 2040 environmental vision 

In 2024, we worked with many residents, entrepreneurs and other interested parties on the Omgevingsvisie Voorne aan Zee. The Municipality of Voorne aan Zee created this vision together with as many stakeholders from the Voorne community as possible under the banner "Voorne aan Zet!". There was a great willingness to think along. During the various meetings and two surveys, everyone had the opportunity to exchange ideas with us about the future of our municipality. The quality of our living environment and opportunities for improvement were discussed.

Consultation process

The draft Omgevingsvisie Voorne aan Zee 2040 was available for inspection in October 2024. During that time 62 people sent a reaction (viewpoint). Because of these reactions, the environmental vision has been improved in some places. These adjustments are listed in the Memorandum of Views. A final Environmental Vision was then prepared, which was submitted to the City Council in spring 2025. 

Adoption 'Environmental vision Voorne aan Zee 2040'

The Voorne aan Zee Environmental Vision was adopted by the municipal council on April 17, 2025. You can view the environmental vision on the ArcGIS website.

Why an environmental vision

The environmental vision is the starting point for new policies and plans related to the physical living environment. There are already future visions for various subareas of the municipality, as well as the future vision Voorne aan Zee. These already show what we consider valuable and important for the future. These will be used in the preparation of the environmental vision. Every municipality must make an environmental vision. This is one of the mandatory components of the Omgevingswet. The municipal council adopts an environmental vision.

Our story

Voorne aan Zee is a beautiful municipality to live, work and relax. Nature, forest, the open polder, special heritage and water are always nearby. Our municipality is a green and watery oasis of peace and space between city and delta. It is wonderful to live in the various residential areas and villages. The towns and villages are bustling with various stores and cozy restaurants. Our economy is robust, with enterprising farmers, hospitable hospitality entrepreneurs and various businesses. 'Tis beautiful here! And of course we want to stay this way. We wish to preserve the qualities that make Voorne aan Zee so special and strengthen them wherever possible. But to remain who you are, you also have to change. 

We are heading for quality and not "more of the same. This is the winning Map for Voorne aan Zee. Voorne aan Zee cherishes our own character. We want to preserve and show this. This applies to both the various fortresses with livable neighborhoods, the cores and villages, but also to our diverse landscape.

We want to achieve this by using our environment better and smarter. For example by putting solar panels on roofs of business premises. Or by making our streets greener and adaptive, so that we are better protected against periods of heat or heavy rain. We are designing Voorne aan Zee to be ready for the future. We look at developments in our society and natural processes. That way we can continue to enjoy Voorne Voorne aan Zee for a long time to come.

Our strength

Voorne aan Zee is always moving and changing. This has been happening for centuries. The qualities of Voorne aan Zee tell our strengths: what makes Voorne aan Zee Zee strong and what makes us special. These qualities are important to us and we want to strengthen them further. 

Our environmental vision contains ambitions and tasks

The story of the Voorne aan Zee Environmental Vision tells who we are as a municipality and how we want to remain in the future. We must protect and cherish these qualities and also strengthen them. We do this in a way that suits our municipality. 

That those qualities will remain is not a given. Various spatial challenges and developments put pressure on the current situation and available space. To secure the qualities of Voornse for the future and add new, desired qualities, we as a municipality are committed to a number of municipality-wide ambitions. 

We strive for a sustainable (physical) living environment, in which people (social/cultural), the planet (ecology) and prosperity (economy) are harmoniously balanced. To this end, the following three ambitions are appropriate: 

  • Ambition 1 - We improve well-being and living for current and future generations
  • Ambition 2 - Our landscape, natural habitat and heritage are central 
  • Ambition 3 - We encourage work and business and commit to a strong recreation sector

For each ambition, there are a number of tasks and focal points. In the Environmental Vision we pay attention to nine central thematic tasks: 

  • Appropriate housing for all 
  • Social and livable 
  • Healthy and safe 
  • Natural
  • Sustainable and climate-proof 
  • Cultural and experiential 
  • Recreational and tourism 
  • Entrepreneurial
  • Accessible

These tasks include different map images and clear choices.

We also work out a course for various subareas in the Environmental Vision. In the second participation round "Voorne aan Zet II" we will ask society, civil society organizations and our (chain) partners and area partners some more questions.