Sint-Amands (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Around 500 residents of Sint-Amands signed a petition against 6 planned apartments near the Scheldt River. Mayor Koen Van den Heuvel confirmed the permit process is ongoing and not yet approved.
As VRT News reported, residents of Sint-Amands, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, have started a petition against the construction of a new apartment building in the village’s green zone at Dam Square, near the Scheldt River. In just one day, about 500 people signed the petition.
Around half signed online, and the other half signed in person in the village. The site’s owner, whose land has been designated for residential use since 1976, has applied for a permit to build 6 apartments. Yellow notices have been posted at the location, informing the public that they can submit formal objections to the project.
“The mudflats that buffer the water would be hardened with concrete; we fear additional flooding.”
Riet Muylaert, petition initiator
What will Sint-Amands residents do to stop 6 new apartments near the Scheldt?
Residents and neighbours have expressed concerns about the plan. They say the project would remove 950 square meters of trees and green space. The site is also in a flood-prone area, which could create safety risks. Critics add that the construction would change the character of the historic riverside area.
“Den Dam is a little piece of France in our own country. A charming street next to the greenery along the Scheldt, where the municipality is showcasing itself in every brochure. This new project is supposed to be built right there, next to the towpath beside the river, and we are concerned,”
says Riet Muylaert, who launched the petition.
According to Riet Muylaert, deer and bats, and a 100-year-old spruce tree can be found in the area. The area is adjacent to a Natura 2000 protected zone. Some constructions would be built on salt marshes, which serve as natural buffers to stagnant water. Detractors are concerned that marshes and salt marshes turned to concrete can predispose future constructions to build up excess water, wet basements and moisture issues.
The municipal council of Puurs-Sint-Amands says that no permit has been granted for the project. Mayor Koen Van den Heuvel (CD&V) said,
“That is completely untrue. The application process has begun, and we are waiting for all official recommendations. A decision will follow after the review is complete.”
“The municipality will certainly listen to the concerns of the neighbourhood and the Flemish agencies for nature and the environment,”
says Mayor Van den Heuvel
In 2021, a project to create new residential apartments on the edge of the Scheldt River brought out a number of local protests. Residents complained about reduced green spaces and raised potential flood risk concerns with the project. The proposal was shelved after environmental and community considerations were assessed.
