Belgian mayors demand abolition of canal reservation strips without betterment tax

Mayors from Lievegem, Maldegem, Eeklo, and Sint-Laureins are collectively appealing to the Flemish government to remove extensive land reservation strips along the Schipdonk Canal. They argue that these strips, some 40 meters wide, have created a "skewed situation" for residents, farmers, and local economies for decades.

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A skewed situation, which has had repercussions on our residents, farmers, and local economies for decades.

The reservation strips were designated in 1977 and 1978 to allow for future canal widening, a plan that was never realized. Despite the lack of development, the strips have continuously restricted property owners' ability to expand their land or businesses without facing a betterment tax on any increase in land value. The mayors describe these strips as a "historical mistake" that has devalued their properties.

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These plans were never implemented, but they have had repercussions on our residents, farmers, and local economies for decades.

Adding to the complexity, the designation of these strips differs between East Flanders and West Flanders. For instance, land on the East Flanders side near Leestjesbrug is designated as nature reserve, while the West Flanders side is agricultural. The mayors seek a definitive resolution from the Flemish government to rectify this "skewed situation" and provide legal certainty.

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The land was thus actually worth less.

Furthermore, the mayors emphasized the need for a more efficient maintenance of the dikes along the canal. They stressed that the current situation stems from a historical context, not from choices made by current landowners, and therefore requested an investigation into exempting these properties from the betterment tax. They believe this exemption is crucial, considering the long-term limitations imposed on property use.

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We want this to be consistently implemented policy-wise. This is not about classic destination profits, but about a historical situation that our citizens did not cause themselves.