Goeree-Overflakkee maps its heritage to safeguard history for future generations
The municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee is creating a digital map to identify and protect its cultural and historical landmarks, ensuring they remain part of the island’s identity. Residents can expect better preservation of unique landscapes, buildings, and historical sites under new heritage policies.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Cultural-historical values map |
| Municipality | Goeree-Overflakkee |
| Sources Used | Historical maps, archives, aerial photos, local heritage experts |
| Collaborators | RAAP Cultural Heritage, Monumenten Advies Bureau, local historical groups |
| Legal Basis | Environment and Planning Act |
| First Concept Expected | Summer 2026 |
| Purpose | Protect and integrate heritage into spatial planning |
| Key Features Mapped | Old sea clay polders, dikes, historical roads, village cores, buildings |
The municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee is responsible for preserving local heritage and integrating it into spatial planning. Under the Environment and Planning Act, it must ensure cultural-historical values are considered in development decisions, making this map a critical tool for policy enforcement.
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Municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee working on cultural-historical values map
Goeree-Overflakkee has a rich history. And that history is still visible today in many places. For example, in the landscape, but also in the many beautiful and old buildings found on the island. That is why the municipality wants to protect this heritage, for now and for future generations. An important step in doing so is the creation of the cultural-historical values map.
A cultural-historical values map is a digital map showing where in our municipality special landscapes, historical elements and valuable buildings are located, including places where multiple buildings together form a single historical ensemble. It covers locations that tell the story of Goeree-Overflakkee: from old sea clay polders and dikes, historical roads and waterways to characteristic village cores and distinctive buildings. Other remnants from the past, such as old tram lines and old dike breaches, are also included to complete the picture.
Creating the cultural-historical values map using various sources
This includes historical maps, archives and aerial photographs. Of course, current knowledge is also taken into account: the municipality is working closely with heritage advisors from RAAP Cultural Heritage, the Monumenten Advies Bureau (Monuments Advisory Bureau) and an enthusiastic sounding board group of local heritage experts and representatives of historical associations who contribute ideas and provide feedback. Using all this information, the heritage of Goeree-Overflakkee is mapped out and a cultural-historical value is assigned to the heritage. This value is determined by various aspects, such as how intact the heritage still is, how rare it is and its architectural value. In addition, not only is its uniqueness for the village considered, but also for the entire island and even the entire region.
The cultural-historical values map is being developed as part of the Heritage Agenda
The Heritage Agenda outlines Goeree-Overflakkee’s ambitions in the field of heritage. One of these ambitions is to better protect and make the island’s heritage more visible. The values map fits seamlessly with this goal. In addition, since the introduction of the Environment and Planning Act, it has been legally required to include heritage values in spatial plans and decisions. With this map, the municipality gains a tool to protect heritage and incorporate it into such spatial developments.
First concept expected in summer 2026
The concept will be presented to the sounding board group. Their feedback will be used to finalise the cultural-historical values map. Ultimately, the definitive map will be presented to the municipal council and used as the basis for future heritage policy.
Goeree-Overflakkee is worth preserving!
With this cultural-historical values map, we are collectively making visible what makes Goeree-Overflakkee unique. In doing so, we preserve our heritage and identity for future generations. Alderman Daan Markwat: “For us, the cultural-historical values map is a crucial tool for dealing consciously with our heritage. This map provides a solid foundation for protecting and preserving our heritage.” Alderwoman Petra ’t Hoen adds: “Our heritage is the heart of Goeree-Overflakkee. With this cultural-historical values map, we not only bring our past into view, but also ensure that our history and identity have a firm place in the future of our island.”