Municipality rejects wind turbine plan due to proximity to homes and wildlife habitat

The municipal executive of Pajottegem has advised against the construction of a wind turbine in Sint-Pieters-Kapelle, citing concerns that it is too close to homes and encroaches on the habitat of protected animal species. The company Spark Power proposed erecting a 220-meter-high turbine in Heydestraat, adjacent to the E429 highway, which they claimed would generate enough green energy for 5,400 households and avoid 7,030 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

This negative recommendation follows similar assessments from the Agency for Nature and Forests, the GECORO (Municipal Committee for Spatial Planning), and the Environmental Advisory Platform. Mayor Kris Poelaert explained that the turbine's proximity to the nearest homes, at 260 meters, is considered too close. Furthermore, the application conflicts with the nature decree, as the turbine's location falls within the living area of protected species.

Despite the municipality's negative advice, the decision is not binding. The final approval authority lies with the Minister of Environment, Jo Brouns, who is expected to make a definitive ruling on the permit by mid-October. If the project receives approval, Spark Power hopes to commence construction in the spring of 2028. The proposal has generated significant opposition, with more than 1,500 objections submitted by local residents.

“

We have followed that line. The distance to the nearest homes is 260 meters, which is still very close. Moreover, the application is in conflict with the nature decree, because the wind turbine would be located in the habitat of protected animal species.