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🇧🇪 Belgium /Energy & Infrastructure

Third wind turbine approved at Dilsen-Stokkem factory, appeals rejected

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A permit for a third wind turbine at a brick factory in Dilsen-Stokkem has been approved, rejecting appeals from the municipality and residents.
  • The regional government had previously approved the permit despite local objections.
  • The municipality will establish a complaint reporting point to monitor the turbine's operation.

The Council for Licensing Disputes has rejected appeals against the construction of a third wind turbine at the Vandersanden brick factory in Lanklaar, Dilsen-Stokkem. Both the municipality and two local residents had filed objections to the plan. The Council's ruling supports the Flemish Government's earlier approval of the environmental permit, which was granted a year ago despite a negative recommendation from the municipality and over 800 objections from residents.

The Council for Licensing Disputes has rejected appeals against a 3rd wind turbine on the company site of Vandersanden in Lanklaar.

— Article ContextReporting the decision of the Council for Licensing Disputes.

The proposed 200-meter-high turbine would join two existing turbines at the factory, which stand at 150 and 200 meters respectively. Objections primarily focused on the visual impact of the new turbine, arguing that its representation was incomplete, leading to an inaccurate assessment of its effect on the living environment. Concerns were also raised about the Flemish Government's alleged failure to adequately ensure that noise, shadow flicker, and vibration levels, as well as safety risks, would remain acceptable.

However, the Council for Licensing Disputes dismissed the appeals, stating that the municipal spatial plan explicitly permits wind turbines at the designated location. Furthermore, the Council found that the Flemish Government had thoroughly investigated the various aspects of potential nuisance and had imposed conditions to limit any negative impacts.

The Council states in its judgment that the municipality's spatial plan explicitly permits wind turbines at the location concerned.

— Council for Licensing DisputesJustifying the rejection of appeals.

Despite the ruling, the municipality intends to closely monitor the construction and operation of the new wind turbine. Acting Mayor Pieter Indemans announced that, similar to the existing turbines, a complaint reporting point will be established to address and follow up on any reported issues related to nuisance.

The city will closely monitor the construction and operation of the wind turbine.

— Acting Mayor Pieter IndemansStating the municipality's commitment to oversight.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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