Brecht (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Brecht opposes replacing 3, 145m wind turbines with 240m ones. First, Alderman Daan De Veuster cites 460 complaints, local impact, and nature concerns. Final decision rests with Minister Jo Brouns.
As VRT News reported, the town of Brecht, a municipality in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, has clearly said no to a plan to replace 3 wind turbines with much taller ones. The current turbines on Hoekakkerstraat, Lierweg, and Overbroekstraat are 145 meters high. The new ones would be 240 meters tall. That big difference worries many people.
First Alderman Daan De Veuster from the group said the bigger turbines would stand out much more in the area. They would be seen from far away, even from the town centre. He also said the moving blades would cast shadows over a large part of the town, which could bother thousands of people.
What is driving Brecht’s rejection of taller wind turbines?
The town of Brecht says people are already having problems with the current wind turbines. They complain about noise, shaking, and how the turbines look. Many fear that bigger turbines will make these problems worse. Because of this, a lot of people spoke up during the public review.
The town received 460 official complaints, which is a large number for a place like Brecht. First, Alderman Daan De Veuster said this shows that many people do not agree with the plan. The town says it is not against green energy, but it should not come at the cost of people’s comfort and health.
“There is no longer any support for expansion in our municipality, many efforts have already been made”
Daan De Veuster (now 2960), first alderman
Alderman Daan De Veuster says Brecht is already doing a lot for green energy. There are 4 wind turbines in the town, placed on both sides of the E19 highway. Just over the border in Wuustwezel, there is another turbine that also affects people in Brecht.
De Veuster says these turbines already affect daily life. People can hear them, see them, and deal with the moving shadows. Because of this, he feels the town has done its part, and more turbines are not needed.
De Veuster made it clear that Brecht is not against green energy. He said the town supports clean power and is already doing its part. But he also said there is a limit. The plan to build taller turbines, from 145 to 240 meters, is too much for the town. It would put extra pressure on people living nearby. “We’re doing our part, and we want to, but enough is enough,” he said.
Now, the final choice is up to Flemish Environment Minister Jo Brouns from CD&V. He will decide if the permit for the taller turbines will be given. Last month, he already said no to a plan for 2 other wind turbines in Brecht.
“There’s no longer any support for expansion in our municipality,” says De Veuster. “A lot of effort has already been made. The impact on nature is also significant. A wind turbine would be located close to a nature reserve and therefore have negative effects on breeding birds and bats, among other things.”
