Voorne aan Zee

Below are the key findings from the surveys completed by residents and young people in the spring of 2025. A total of 136 residents completed the standard questionnaire, and 30 young people completed the youth version.

Young people strongly in favor of a chill spot, other fillers moderately enthusiastic

The majority of young people are positive about creating a chill spot for young people in Oostvoorne. For example, they think it is a good idea because there are few other places for young people in Oostvoorne and they think it would be nice to have a place to get together with others. 

Among the fillers of the regular questionnaire, a majority is also in favor of a chill spot for young people, although they are slightly less outspokenly positive. On the one hand, some of them think that a chill area would create less nuisance and that it would be good for young people to meet each other. On the other hand, there are also respondents who think that the chill spot will cause nuisance. They also think that alcohol or drug use will take place in the chill area.

Criteria for location differences

Respondents to the general survey consider it particularly important that the chill spot be located in a place where it causes as little disruption as possible. They also consider the safety of the chill spot—for example, through adequate lighting—to be important. For young people, it is especially important that the chill spot be easily accessible.

The groups also differ in their preference for an indoor or outdoor location. Respondents to the general questionnaire prefer an indoor location, where supervision is easier and noise pollution is lower. Young people, on the other hand, prefer an outdoor location. However, they do want this location to be far enough away from residential areas so that they do not cause a disturbance and local residents do not complain.

For more information about the Chillplek in Oostvoorne and what happened with the input from residents and young people, please visit the Chillplek Oostvoorne project page.
 

The Green Space Plan sets out the guiding principles for green spaces in the built-up area for the coming years. The plan provides a framework for the management and design of green spaces in public areas. The municipality Voorne aan Zee interested in hearing what its residents think about the green spaces in the municipality.

We have therefore created an online survey. The survey was distributed to the Voorne aan Zee . A total of 928 residents completed the survey. The key findings are presented below.

Green spaces in the neighborhood are important, but opinions on satisfaction are divided

Respondents to the survey unanimously agree that green spaces in the neighborhood are important. For example, because they make the neighborhood look nicer and improve air quality. Opinions are divided on how satisfied they are with the green spaces in the municipality Voorne aan Zee. About four in ten respondents are satisfied, compared to four in ten who are dissatisfied. Respondents praise the green spaces in the municipality because they can walk or relax there and because they look nice. Respondents who are more critical mainly point out that the green spaces in the municipality are not well maintained.

Better maintenance is important

Criticism of the maintenance of green spaces is mentioned in several sections of the questionnaire. Even respondents who are satisfied with the green spaces in the municipality cite better maintenance as the most important issue regarding green spaces in their neighborhood. In addition, respondents mention more green spaces in urbanized streets and greater attention to biodiversity as important issues.

Residents are eager to get involved in the community’s green spaces

Six out of ten respondents say they are happy to contribute ideas about green spaces in their neighborhood. They prefer to do so via an online survey or email. Respondents are slightly more divided on the issue of creating or maintaining green spaces in their neighborhood themselves. Nevertheless, three out of ten respondents say they are willing to help with this. They cite a greater sense of community and better maintenance of green spaces as their reasons. 

The group that is unwilling to help often lacks the means to do so—for example, due to a lack of time or physical limitations. In addition, some believe that the creation and maintenance of green spaces is not the responsibility of residents, but of the municipality.

What happens to the results?

We have incorporated the key findings into the Green Space Plan. These include residents’ satisfaction (or lack thereof) with green spaces and their maintenance. We appreciate all the feedback we have received and are using it to inform our neighborhood-focused approach.

In March 2025, we asked residents to share their ideas on how the municipality could cut costs, save money, and increase revenue. You were able to share your opinions via a questionnaire, either online or on paper. Researchers also distributed the questionnaire to passersby at various locations throughout the municipality. A total of 1,735 residents completed the questionnaire. These are the key findings.

Residents feel it is important to maintain funding for safety, health care and education

Safety, health care and education are the three most important topics for which fillers want the municipality to continue to invest, despite the fact that there is less money now. Inventors consider these to be the basic needs of the municipality's residents and believe that if money has to go somewhere, these are the most important topics. This is also reflected when respondents are asked to prioritize the most important topics within the theme of healthy, vital and safe living. Respondents consider the subjects 'safe living environment' and 'Health and well-being' more important than the subjects 'facilities' and 'leisure'. In doing so, respondents again choose the topics that they believe are basic needs that the municipality should take care of. 

Cuts can best be made on newcomer reception and arts and culture, according to residents

On the other hand, the respondents feel that savings can be made on the reception and participation of newcomers and art and culture. Sustainability and entrepreneurship, recreation and tourism are also chosen by a relatively large group of respondents as possible savings items. The respondents do not consider these topics to be priorities for the livability of the municipality. In addition, they mention that this can also be financed by residents themselves if there is a need for it. They do not see an explicit role here for the municipality.

Residents prefer a reduction in service to higher costs

Inventors do not like to see prices for service from the municipality go up. Only a quarter of the fillers would be willing to pay a higher price. Respondents are also divided about lowering service levels, although they are slightly more positive about this. Almost half of the respondents think that the municipality should be allowed to lower its service level if that would lead to savings. The open questions also show that respondents are critical of the size of the municipality. They mention, for example, reducing the number of civil servants and making the work of the municipality more efficient as possible savings.

For more information about the 2026 Budget and how residents’ input was taken into account, please visit the 2026 Budget project page.

The municipality Voorne aan Zee it Voorne aan Zee important to involve residents in current municipal issues and to ask for their opinions. That is why the municipality has its own resident panel: the Voorne aan Zee . The research firm Citisens manages this panel. Would you like to contribute your ideas or share your opinion? Then join the Voorne aan Zee . You can sign up via the Voorne aan Zee website.

After each survey, the research firm prepares a report and a summary of it. Participants receive the results via email. On this page, you can read a summary of the results of the surveys we conducted among the Voorne aan Zee .

Key findings 

Residents of the municipality Voorne aan Zee the residents’ panel for various reasons. The main reason is that they believe it is important to contribute their ideas about Voorne aan Zee. They also like to stay informed about issues affecting the municipality.

Panel members satisfied with communication regarding the investigations

Members of the resident panel are generally satisfied with the communication regarding the panel. They are particularly pleased with the communication regarding invitations and reminders: six out of ten panel members are satisfied with this, compared to one in ten who are dissatisfied. Panel members are also positive about the feedback on the results: half are satisfied with this, compared to one in five who are dissatisfied. As an area for improvement, they mention that they would like to hear more about what the municipality does with the results.

Surveys are perceived as easy and straightforward

Panel members are positive about the accessibility and ease of use of the questionnaires distributed to the panel. They generally find the questions to be clearly and simply worded. They also approve of the length of the questionnaires and the frequency with which the surveys are conducted. As suggestions for improvement, they note that the questionnaires could go into greater depth.

Suggestions for future research

When panel members are asked what topics they would like to see covered in a questionnaire, several themes come up frequently: asylum policy, housing construction, green spaces, (traffic) safety, and accessibility.

What happens to the results?

The results provide important input for municipal projects and policies. The feedback shows that panel members would like to know how their input is being used. We are working to better demonstrate what we do with the results. Sometimes it takes time to translate the results into next steps. As a result, it takes longer than we would like. That is why we provide feedback on the survey results via email. As soon as possible, you can read on the project page how the results have been used.

The Arsenaal in Brielle will soon be vacant. The municipality Voorne aan Zee interested in learning how local residents, residents of Brielle, visitors, and business owners experience the Arsenaal and its immediate surroundings. That is why Citisens conducted Voorne aan Zee study on behalf of the municipality Voorne aan Zee . The results will help the municipality form a clearer picture of the Arsenaal and support its decision-making regarding the building’s future use. 

For the study, Voorne aan Zee questionnaire was developed in collaboration with the municipality Voorne aan Zee . The online questionnaire was distributed to the Voorne aan Zee and was available for completion from January 27 through February 17, 2026. A total of 348 residents completed the questionnaire.

Appropriate for cultural or social purposes

Respondents would like to see the future use of the Arsenaal contribute to a livable downtown Brielle. For example, they consider a cultural use—such as an exhibition space or a venue for classes—to be appropriate. They would also consider a community facility, such as a library, or the creation of housing units in the Arsenaal to be appropriate. They also see potential for a combined use: four out of five respondents believe there is room in the Arsenaal for various activities.

Preserving the historic character is important

The majority of respondents consider the Arsenaal’s appearance to be of historical value, and preserving its historical character is therefore an important consideration for many respondents regarding the future of the Arsenaal. They believe that the building’s historical character is an integral part of Brielle’s downtown and would like to see it preserved, regardless of the function the Arsenaal will serve in the future.

Nuisance, parking, and vacant properties are major concerns

There are a number of points that respondents would like to bring to the municipality’s attention regarding the future of the Arsenaal. First and foremost, they consider it important to limit noise and other disturbances for residents living directly adjacent to the Arsenaal. They would also like to see careful consideration given to parking around the Arsenaal, so that parking pressure does not become excessive. Finally, they would like to urge the municipality not to leave the building vacant for too long, as this would not benefit the quality of life in Brielle.

What happens to the results?

The results were used to gain insight into the feasibility of various social and cultural functions. The analysis also took into account the surrounding area, parking demand, and the impact on the immediate vicinity. If necessary, public participation will be part of the next phase of the process. At this time, the project is primarily in an exploratory and preparatory phase. 

We gather information, assess whether the plans are feasible, and determine the preferred administrative course of action. Once administrative decisions have been made, we will share them on the website.

The municipality Voorne aan Zee looking for a new use for the former town hall in Rockanje. That is why it is interested in learning how Rockanje residents, visitors, and business owners perceive the building and what they consider to be a suitable use for it. What do they think of the former town hall? What do they consider important for the future? And what are their main wishes and concerns? To Map these Map , Citisens conducted Voorne aan Zee survey on behalf of the municipality Voorne aan Zee regarding the former town hall in Rockanje.

The online questionnaire was distributed to the Voorne aan Zee and was open for completion from February 24 through March 2, 2026. A total of 294 residents completed the questionnaire.

Respondents are positive about the appearance of the former town hall 

Respondents are positive about the appearance of the former town hall in Rockanje. They mainly use positive terms to describe the town hall, such as “valuable” and “distinctive.” However, it should be noted that this applies primarily to the older section of the former town hall. They place less value on the newer section: they find it less attractive and less in keeping with the town hall’s overall appearance. 

Residential use is the most appropriate 

The majority of respondents believe that residential use is the most suitable use for the former town hall. They note that there is a shortage of housing in the municipality and would consider this a good use for the building. They mention various target groups in this regard, with housing specifically aimed at first-time homebuyers being cited most frequently. A comparable group of respondents is open to a community-oriented use. Four out of ten respondents are open to a Health and wellness use. They emphasize that they consider it important for the former town hall to remain a place that serves the residents of Rockanje. They also stress that it is important to residents that municipal services remain available in Rockanje.

Preserving the character of the town hall is important

When the former town hall is repurposed, respondents consider it very important that the character of the town hall be preserved. Here, too, it is noted that respondents place less value on the new section and that, as far as they are concerned, it could be replaced with something else.

What happens to the results?

The results were used to assess whether repurposing and a potential redevelopment of the site are feasible. In doing so, we are considering a combination of functions, such as housing, Health well-being. We are also examining what this means for the space and the surrounding area.

Any public participation, if necessary, will be part of a subsequent phase of the process. At this time, the process is primarily in an exploratory and preparatory phase. We are gathering information, assessing the feasibility of the plans, and determining the preferred administrative course of action.
Once administrative decisions have been made, we will share them on the website.

The municipality Voorne aan Zee currently developing a heating program. This program is part of the heating transition, with the goal of making all homes in the municipality natural gas-free. At present, many homes in Voorne aan Zee are Voorne aan Zee heated with gas. The Rijksoverheid aims Rijksoverheid have all homes gas-free by 2050. 

The municipality Voorne aan Zee which solutions best suit its residents as it develops its heating program. The research firm Citisens conducted this study among the residents of the municipality Voorne aan Zee. The goal was Map identify their wishes, concerns, and interests regarding the future heating supply in Map . 

A total of 1,081 residents completed the questionnaire.

Summary of the Results

Opinions Are Divided on Making Homes Natural Gas-Free 

Respondents to the survey are divided on the issue of making homes in the municipality Voorne aan Zee natural gas-free. About four in ten respondents think it is important that all homes in the municipality eventually become natural gas-free, compared to four in ten who do not consider this important. Three in ten respondents think it would be (very) bad if their home were to switch off natural gas, while four in ten think it would be (very) good. Respondents are generally not (yet) in the process of making their homes natural gas-free. This applies to more than four in ten respondents. One in ten already lives in a completely natural gas-free home. 

Costs are the most important factor in Health 

For respondents, the cost of making homes natural gas-free is the most important Health. For six out of ten respondents, high costs are the main reason they have not yet made their homes natural gas-free. Three out of ten respondents consider “costs that aren’t too high” to be the most important factor in making their homes natural gas-free, and about half indicate that the municipality could help them by (partially) covering the costs of the modifications. More than half of the respondents believe it is important that making homes natural gas-free be as affordable as possible for everyone, compared to a quarter who would prefer that the modifications be as inexpensive as possible for themselves. 

Seven out of ten respondents like to stay informed 

Seven out of ten respondents would like to stay informed about the transition to natural gas-free homes in the municipality Voorne aan Zee. They prefer to receive this information via a digital newsletter. Respondents are divided on when they would like to start receiving this information: some want to start right away, while others prefer to wait until concrete plans are in place. Three in ten respondents would like to contribute their ideas to the plans. They would prefer to do so at a residents’ meeting or via an online survey.

What happens to the results?

•  Affordability is an important factor in our research. For each option, we examine what the costs are and who pays them.
• In the heating program, we’re paying special attention to ways to offset high costs.
• We would like to inform you about the transition to a natural gas-free future. More information is available on the page about the heating program.
• Solidarity is important to us; we take solidarity into account.