Network Second Homes

Partner search International Network on Second Homes

Through its membership in AER and chairmanship of the working group on rural development, Oppland County Municipality has taken the initiative to form an international network on the topic of ”second homes”. The idea was presented in AER meetings in February and October 2008.

Purpose of the Network:

- Raising awareness on consequences of second homes development for the local community in a long term perspective
This includes increasing awareness on the different aspects of the issue and stimulating political discussion locally and regionally on second homes development.
Second homes bring activities and people to new areas, and this is important for the development of local businesses. At the same time they bring some challenges that must be taken into account and dealt with.

- Assessing current trends and situations in the partner regions:
It is important to be aware of trends in the development at an early stage, so that challenges and possibilities can be met as soon as possible.

- Exchange of experience:
The purpose is to exchange experiences and learn from each other, in order to find together adequate means and measures to maximise the benefits and minimize the negative impacts of second homes development for the host municipalities
The main topic for experience sharing could be:
Second homes development can also be connected to another relevant topics – attractiveness of regions and local communities. How can second homes development contribute to increased attractiveness in areas threatened by a decline in the population?

- Joint lobbying initiative:
Based on the experiences that will come out of the network, it might be considered to take a joint initiative to improve national policies in some areas, e.g. taxes, health services, area planning etc.

A preliminary working group consists of Oppland County Municipality and Innovation Norway. Through AER contacts have been established to other regions that are interested in joining a network: Devon (England), Västra Götaland (Sweden), Limousin (France). Additional contacts exist to Buskerud and Hedmark county municipalities (Norway).

In order for the network to reach an appropriate size, AER and Oppland county municipality are currently looking for 3 or 4 more partner regions, with various geographical characteristics. (One or two from the southern part of Europe and one or two from the Central and Eastern part).

An important principle for the network will be that the participants are clear about their expectations and expected outcomes. Oppland County Municipality will take on a coordinating role, but it is a prerequisite that everyone contributes to the development of the network.

Regions willing to contribute to the development of the network are kindly asked to fill-in the participation form where they describe their region, challenges and motivation for joining the network.

For more information please refer to:
Aksel Hagen
County Councillor
Oppland County Municipality

Telephone: 0047 61 28 90 00