Westerkwartier coalition unveils housing, tax and solar park plan

The new municipal coalition in the Westerkwartier region of the Netherlands – VZ Westerkwartier, PRO, ChristenUnie and VVD – presented its programme "Samen zijn wij Westerkwartier". The agreement stresses proximity, responsibility and sustainability, and sets out a target of about 375 new homes per year, with a housing fund and a demand‑driven approach to construction.

To finance sports, culture and other local initiatives, the coalition will raise the property tax (OZB) through 2030. It proposes ending the automatic priority for status‑holders on social rental housing, while exploring priority for existing residents when buying new‑build homes. A 60‑hectare solar park in the southern Westerkwartier is confirmed, despite doubts over profitability. The plan also includes small asylum‑seeker reception centres for up to 75 people and a development centre for newcomers, and seeks to boost tourism at the Nienoord estate with upgraded facilities and a possible new hotel near the A7 motorway. The coalition will hand over the programme to the municipal council on 1 July.