Towards a sustainable transformation of the detached houses in peri-urban Flanders, Belgium

Abstract

The housing stock in Flanders contains a significant share of detached dwellings. Recent demographical, economic and ecological developments, however, have induced a large demand for other housing types. This paper addresses the resulting issue of whether the adaptation of existing low-density neighbourhoods is possible, and hypothesizes that the presence of a certain NIMBY (not in my back yard) attitude among current residents might complicate any planning efforts that would bring about fundamentally different spatial patterns. The paper offers an analysis of the existing residential patterns, focusing on the presence of underused housing. This analytical part is complemented by qualitative research into the acceptability of different possible scenarios at the neighbourhood level. Three distinct strategies have been elaborated for discussion with homeowners. The paper concludes that a top-down projection of transformative strategies needs to be brought into balance with interests of residents, thus capitalizing on an ‘overarching interest’, bringing into play an alliance of different tendencies.