Hofstade (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – About 50 Hofstade residents protest Viabuild storing 10,000 m³ soil from Tervuursesteenweg on an OCMW meadow; Alderman Joeri Van Den Brande insists the project will continue despite safety and environmental concerns.
As VRT News reported, about 50 residents of the Zestsesteenweg area in Hofstade, near Zemst, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, are protesting a plan to store 10,000 cubic meters of soil on an OCMW meadow.
The municipality has permitted Viabuild to use the field for soil from the Tervuursesteenweg roadworks in Mechelen and Hofstade. The site lies between the Barebeek stream and the railway line.
What risks do Hofstade residents face from 10,000 m³ of soil storage?
Residents warn that the project may bring constant noise, more truck traffic, and dust drifting toward nearby homes. Many argue that public welfare land should not be used for construction storage, even for a limited period. Several residents are preparing formal objections and want the soil moved to a more suitable industrial location.
“It’s a contractor carrying out roadworks and they proposed a location themselves,”
says environmental councillor Joeri Van Den Brande (Green).
“We investigated the location, obtained advice, and imposed strict conditions. We believe it’s feasible.”
The city council has examined the dispute, and the opposition says the chosen site for the soil depot is not suitable. Members point out that the area already carries heavy traffic and lies in a fragile landscape. They fear that large volumes of soil placed near the water could harm groundwater and nearby streams.
They also mention the Poelenbroek, which serves as an important area for amphibians. The cut in Geerdegemstraat has already redirected more vehicles to Zestsesteenweg, a road used each day by many cyclists and schoolchildren.
Because of these concerns, the opposition suggests using Geerdegemstraat in Mechelen as another location for the soil storage. Alderman Van Den Brande does not support that proposal and says the project will continue as planned in Hofstade.
Van Den Brande isn’t keen on that:
“The work is mainly being done in Zest. It seems logical that the soil would also be stored on Zest’s property. You wouldn’t put a container at your neighbours’ house when you’re doing renovations, would you?”
Van Den Brande said,
“We realise there will be inconvenience, but we have carefully considered this. We strictly adhere to the conditions and will take action if they are violated.”
The discussion has added pressure on the council to explain how major works will be carried out while keeping both the environment and local road safety in mind.
“We’ve reviewed all the recommendations and imposed conditions. If any problems arise, we will intervene. But for now, this location will remain,”
Van Den Brande said.
The dispute over soil storage in Hofstade dates back to 2024, when roadworks began on the Tervuursesteenweg in Mechelen and Hofstade. In February 2025, the municipality of Zemst gave Viabuild permission to store 10,000 cubic meters of soil on an OCMW meadow for up to 2 years and to install a sieve to sort rubble.
By September 2025, residents began raising concerns about traffic, dust, and environmental risks. They also warned that the project could affect the Barebeek stream and the protected Poelenbroek area. The issue came to the city council in November 2025.
