Bruges (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Engie wants to build three wind turbines in Zeebrugge, 600 meters from Zwankendamme. Bruges city council, led by Franky Demon, opposes this due to noise and visual concerns.
Engie has received approval from the Flemish government to build three wind turbines in Zeebrugge, near Wallenius Wilhelmsen. This project aims to boost renewable energy production near the port’s industrial area. The chosen location takes advantage of strong coastal winds, supporting the region’s sustainability efforts.
How will Bruges city council’s appeal affect Engie’s wind turbines?
The Bruges city council has appealed to the Council for Permit Disputes, expressing concerns about the wind turbines’ visual and environmental effects. They believe the large structures could impact the local landscape, which is important for tourism and nearby homes. The council is also worried about possible noise pollution from the turbines. They want to either cancel the permit or make changes to lessen these impacts, leaving the project’s future uncertain.
Bruges city rules say wind turbines must be 500 meters from homes. Engie’s plan puts them 600 meters from Zwankendamme, but the city council thinks that still need to be closer. A wind plan from 2021 adds an extra 250-meter safety zone around Zwankendamme and Lissewege, meaning the turbines should be 750 meters away from houses, according to Franky Demon, the local planning official. He mentioned that life in Zwankendamme is getting harder because of new port projects like the sea lock and the bigger Boudewijn Canal. The port work is getting too close to homes. The wind plan was made to stop wind turbines from causing more issues, so a special buffer zone was set up around Zwankendamme and Lissewege in 2021.
