Dilsen-Stokkem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Dilsen-Stokkem is appealing a permit for Vandersanden’s 200m wind turbine in Lanklaar. Over 800 locals and Terhills Park oppose it; Mayor Vandeweerd cites noise and past complaints.
As VRT News reported, the city of Dilsen-Stokkem, in the province of Limburg, Belgium, is fighting the permit for a wind turbine in Lanklaar. More than 800 people in the area opposed it. They are concerned about noise and the turbine’s appearance.
The city also gave a negative opinion about the plan. But Minister Jo Brouns still gave the permit. Many people are now upset. They feel their concerns were not heard. The city has now filed an appeal to stop the project.
What impact will a third Vandersanden turbine have in Lanklaar?
The city of Dilsen-Stokkem wants to stop the wind turbine permit because it believes local concerns were not taken seriously. The Council for Permit Disputes will now look at the case. This group will verify whether the minister followed the rules when issuing the permit. The city says many people in the area are worried about how wind projects affect their daily lives and the environment.
“We’re not against green energy,”
Says Mayor Sofie Vandeweerd (Open VLD).
“We already have a total of 11 wind turbines on our territory, and this one can’t be added.”
According to officials, brick maker Vandersanden’s planned wind turbine in Lanklaar would be 200 meters tall. Residents and local officials have raised serious concerns over this being the company’s 3rd turbine built near residential areas in Lanklaar.
Mayor Sofie Vandeweerd has stated that the city is already dealing with many complaints about the most recent turbine, which was only completed 2 years ago. Residents have voiced worries about the noise, the changing landscape, and the close proximity of these industrial structures to their homes.
“People are complaining about noise pollution and shadow flicker,”
Says the mayor. That’s why we’re now hiring a lawyer to have the permit revoked.
According to the mayor, the holiday park Terhills may also try to stop the wind turbine plan. The park is close to the planned site and is known for its quiet and natural setting. The managers of Terhills are now talking with others before they decide what to do.
In 2021, Vandersanden built a 2nd wind turbine in Lanklaar, close to homes. Many people were not happy with it. They complained about the noise and the moving shadows from the blades. Some said it made it hard to sleep.
Others said it changed the view and made the area feel less calm. The city got many complaints after it was built. Now, with a 3rd turbine planned, people are afraid the problems will get worse. They use the last project as proof that more turbines will cause more trouble.
