Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In Antwerp, Stone@Work started work on a 12-apartment project in St. Paul’s Church garden, felling a large tree. Residents, represented by Inge Bertels, have filed an appeal.
As GVA News reported, a large tree in the garden of St. Paul’s Church in Antwerp was cut down on Friday evening, Sep 12, 2025. The tree stood next to a protected monastery wall. Both the tree and the wall are set to be removed for a new residential project. The development, led by Stone@Work, will create 12 apartments in the church garden.
Residents have protested the project. They say it will change the character of the neighbourhood. The province of Antwerp approved the plan. Residents later appealed the decision. The Council for Permit Disputes is now reviewing the case. It will decide whether the tree and the wall can be removed.
Why are residents protesting tree felling at Antwerp’s 12-apartment project?
Despite the appeal, contractors have already started work. The tree was felled before the Council made a decision. Residents and heritage advocates say this action raises concerns about historic preservation. They worry about the impact on the identity of the area.
The project has sparked debate over how Antwerp balances new development with heritage protection. The Council for Permit Disputes is about to make a final determination. In the meantime, removing the tree has already caused controversy amongst the developers and the community.
“We think it’s a real shame, especially since there’s already so little green space in our neighbourhood,”
says resident Inge Bertels, who lives next to the Sint-Paulus site.
“She compares it to the tree felling in Deurne, where the city also didn’t wait for the Council’s decision and, despite considerable protest, began felling trees. If the city can do it, then private property owners can too, they must have thought.”
“It is too late to save the tree, but we do not want to give up the protected monastery wall,”
said Inge, a spokesperson for the residents.
“We will be meeting with our lawyers again on Monday to decide our next steps.”
The construction of the wall in this dispute began in the early 18th century, and it has been identified as a protected heritage wall since 1975. The large tree located near the wall has existed for over 80 years, and it’s an identifiable marker in the local area.
In recent decades, the neighbourhood has faced growing pressure from development projects approved by the province of Antwerp. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about preserving both the historical and natural elements of their street.
