Menen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In Menen, Attawba withdrew its zoning request for an Islamic centre on Wahis Street after 560 objections. Alderman Mike Syssauw highlighted the fair consultation despite strong community opposition.
As VRT News reported, in Menen, in the province of West Flanders, Belgium, the non-profit organisation Attawba has withdrawn its request to change the zoning of a former interior design business near the train station. The organisation had planned to turn the building on Wahis Street into an Islamic community centre.
The centre would include a small prayer room and provide educational support for local children, including classes and homework help. An information session was organised to explain the plans to residents and gather feedback. The proposal faced strong opposition from the community.
Why did Attawba withdraw its Menen Islamic centre plan after 560 objections?
The issue was also discussed at the Menen city council. Political parties, such as N-VA and Vlaams Belang, expressed real concerns. They believed the community centre would add to traffic jams and hinder daily routines in the area.
In the official public consultation, 560 objections were submitted. A large number of these were “collective objections,” where residents signed a pre-prepared document instead of writing individual statements.
The city council would normally review the public inquiry and give a recommendation for or against the zoning change. In this case, that step will not happen because Attawba pulled its application. The organisation did not immediately provide a reason for the withdrawal. Alderman for the Environment, Mike Syssauw of VOOR 8930, said the process went smoothly.
He highlighted that all steps, including the consultation and public meetings, were handled fairly and transparently. Residents were able to share their concerns, and the council followed the proper procedures. Syssauw stressed that the city maintained an organised approach even though the project caused debate in the community.
“We followed the legal procedure,”
She says.
“Everyone had the opportunity to make theiar voice heard. We therefore ask for respect for our employees, who performed their duties independently and diligently. It’s unfortunate to see how this issue has caused so much polarisation.”
In Ghent in 2022, a non-profit’s proposal to convert a building into a community centre with a small prayer room and youth activities faced over 400 objections from residents, citing traffic and neighbourhood disruption. Likewise, in Bruges in 2021, plans for a cultural and religious centre sparked hundreds of collective objections, leading the organisation to revise or withdraw its application.
