Rotselaar Rejects Wind Turbine Plans Again Over Environmental and Residential Concerns

Rotselaar municipality has once again unanimously voted against the construction of two wind turbines in Wezemaal, citing significant concerns over their impact on the local environment and quality of life. This marks the second time the municipality has rejected the project, following an initial negative advice in April.

Although the project developer was required to revise the plans based on earlier objections, the municipality maintains that the new proposal inadequately addresses the community's concerns. A total of 3,841 objections were submitted, highlighting worries about shadow flicker, noise pollution, ecological damage, loss of biodiversity, and the degradation of the area's heritage value.

Mayor Jelle Wouter (ROX) expressed dissatisfaction with the impact studies, stating, "We find that the study insufficiently considers the impact on homes and living quality. The direct visual impact on homes near the wind turbines is particularly large." He pointed out that the proposed turbines violate Flemish guidelines, which mandate a minimum distance of 630 meters from the nearest home in residential areas, while the closest home in this project is only 444 meters away.

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We find that the study insufficiently considers the impact on homes and living quality. The direct visual impact on homes near the wind turbines is particularly large.

Further concerns were raised by Alderman Bart De Vos (N-VA) regarding the project's effect on nature and landscape. The turbines are planned between the protected landscapes of Beninksberg and Wijngaardberg. "Many objections came from nature lovers and hikers. The landscape value of the area is particularly great," De Vos said. "It is a crucial ecological connection, where many bats and other species live. The impact of the project on nature is insufficiently investigated." The protected village view of Wezemaal and the historic castle site of Horst are also expected to be negatively affected.

The final decision on the environmental permit now rests with the Flemish government.

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Many objections came from nature lovers and hikers. The landscape value of the area is particularly great. It is a crucial ecological connection, where many bats and other species live. The impact of the project on nature is insufficiently investigated.