Belgian municipalities unite against Ventilus power line permits

The municipalities of Deerlijk, Harelbeke, and Lendelede are uniting to fight the environmental permits granted for the Ventilus high-voltage power line, which is set to cross West Flanders. They plan to challenge the permits at the Council for Permit Disputes, seeking their suspension and annulment.

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For entirely new sections of the Ventilus line, there is compensation. This has a real financial impact for people who want to sell their homes.

Their joint objections center on several key issues. Firstly, they argue that the compensation policy is unfair, as residents living near existing, reinforced high-voltage lines receive no compensation from grid operator Elia, while new sections of the Ventilus line do offer compensation. This disparity, they say, has a real financial impact on homeowners looking to sell.

Secondly, the municipalities point to a lack of thorough investigation into alternatives, such as placing the power line underground. They also raise concerns about potential health risks, referencing the European precautionary principle. "As long as it is not proven that the radiation is harmless, citizens must be protected," stated Michaël Vannieuwenhuyze, mayor of Harelbeke, citing possible risks like childhood leukemia and dementia.

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There is such a thing as the European precautionary principle. As long as it is not proven that the radiation is harmless, citizens must be protected.

Deerlijk Mayor Louis Vanderbeken added that an additional concern is the immediate enforceability of the permit, even though the Council of State has not yet ruled on the Regional Spatial Implementation Plan that underpins the Ventilus project. Lendelede Mayor Carine Dewaele highlighted that her municipality is significantly affected by both the reinforcement of an existing 380 kV line and the expansion of a substation, alongside a new mast line.

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But our 3 municipalities are all affected by this reinforced line. In Harelbeke, it runs very close to or even over many houses. Some people even live between two lines. That's why we are joining forces. We are appointing a lawyer together. That is financially interesting, but it also ensures a strong case.

Despite the ministers responsible for the permits being from the same political party as some of the mayors, the local leaders emphasized that the interests of their residents take precedence over party politics. By pooling their resources and hiring a joint lawyer, they believe they can build a stronger case.

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But the interests of our local residents weigh heavier than party-political considerations. Then the color of a minister plays a lesser role.