The housing construction task in Overbetuwe is significant. There is a need for thousands of homes for starters, families, and seniors. There is no shortage of plans, says Alderman Karel Grimm for construction, housing, and economic affairs. The real challenge lies elsewhere. “Nearly 2,000 homes are planned for construction in the coming years. But making plans is one thing; actually realizing them is quite another.”
According to Grimm, housing construction always requires patience. Projects demand extensive preparation, consultation, and coordination. “Based on current demand research, agreements are made about building homes that will only be ready in six or seven years. No matter how carefully we do this, it’s uncertain whether that demand will still be the same 6 or 7 years later.”
From Standstill to Movement
The current housing shortage did not arise out of nowhere. “After 2008, we had a housing crisis period. Many plans were halted or not started. The consequences of that still linger.”
In recent years, that standstill has gradually been broken. “You can see progress now. That gives confidence.” The goal is to achieve a continuous building flow, distributed across all villages. According to Grimm, this is essential for livability and maintaining facilities such as schools, shops, and sports accommodations. In 2026, he expects the delivery or start of construction of a few hundred homes, such as in De Pas in Elst, Veldzicht and Op Zuid phase 2 in Zetten, and at Kerkstraat in Randwijk.
Building the Right Way
But it’s not just about numbers, Grimm emphasizes. “We especially need to build the right homes. For the elderly, for starters, for people who want to buy affordably.” According to regional agreements, each plan includes at least 30% social rental housing. The affordable owner-occupied homes, for which no percentage is set, require extra attention, he finds.
There are also various obstacles municipalities face. The full power grid, objection procedures, rising costs, and staff shortages all play a role. “We do everything to get those conditions in order. Sometimes that means finding new ways or taking a more active role ourselves.” An example is the Biezenkamp housing plan in Driel. “There, the municipality decided to take control itself. That was necessary to advance the plan.” The plan will have 166 homes in different categories, with relatively many affordable owner-occupied homes.
Make Your Wishes Heard
A major factor in delays is objection procedures. Grimm therefore advocates good participation upfront. “If people can share their concerns early, solutions can often be found together. You can hardly ever completely stop a plan. It’s better to start the conversation before the plan stalls.”
His call to residents is clear. “Make your wishes heard as early as possible. That helps improve plans and move them forward faster.”
Do More with Existing Homes
Besides large new construction plans, Overbetuwe is also working on smaller and faster solutions. “We try to get more out of existing homes. Think of splitting or sharing homes with others, or a temporary family home in your own garden. Recently, residents can place a temporary home in their backyard with a permit, for example for children or parents. Such measures don’t solve the housing shortage at once but do help.”
Living, Working, and Responsibility
Living is a broad concept. Overbetuwe also wants to continue providing space for local businesses that want to grow. “Business parks provide employment and income. We don’t want new large-scale logistics locations but space for medium-sized businesses (10 to 250 employees) rooted here.”
Housing for labor migrants is also included. “Thousands of labor migrants work in Overbetuwe. We benefit from that, so I believe we also have a responsibility for decent housing.” For labor migrants, 400 sleeping places are being realized by commercial parties at the De Merm business park in Elst and Park15 business park in Oosterhout. “Furthermore, we also take responsibility for housing other target groups, such as refugees.”
Persevering Together
Grimm is realistic. “I am not satisfied with the numbers we achieve annually. We want more.” At the same time, he sees bright spots. “There is an upward trend in housing construction. That gives perspective.”
For him, housing construction is ultimately a matter of perseverance. “It’s a collaboration between government, organization, developers, and residents. If everyone is willing to cooperate, we can keep building an Overbetuwe where it’s wonderful to live, work, and thrive.”
Those who want to see which housing projects are underway in Overbetuwe and what is planned in the coming years can visit the interactive map.
“If everyone is willing to cooperate, we can keep building.”
“There is an upward trend in housing construction. Projects are underway. That gives perspective.”
About this Article Series
What does the municipality of Overbetuwe actually do, and why? In this article series, the College of Mayor and Aldermen takes residents along in the choices and initiatives that contribute to a pleasant and future-proof municipality. Each article focuses on one theme, with concrete examples from practice. This article is about living, building, and space for working.