Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Genk city council has a conceptual plan to develop a new Spatial Implementation Plan (RUP) targeting the Horensberg trailer park area. The new design officially declares this location a residential zone for the first time.
The Genk city council has made the Horensberg trailer park part of the residential zone by implementing the Spatial Implementation Plan (RUP). The designation by Genk city council protects the Horensberg trailer park as a residential area for an extensive period, including its approximately 50 pitches, which rank among Flanders’ biggest sites. The document delivers detailed instructions about design rules and green space requirements that specify what can be built on this location.
Until now, the area had no official destination but a non-binding one. It was a so-called stopping place.
“All that time, there was no certainty about the final destination of the site. That could still change,”
Explains Alderman for Space Anniek Nagels of CD&V.
That is now changing.
“The site is officially designated in this RUP as a location where you can live residentially in a caravan. That is important, because that way you also anchor that place in the city. The residents can now be sure that they can stay there for the next 50 to 100 years,”
Says Nagels.
At the same time, the RUP clearly describes what is and is not allowed on the caravan site.
“You can of course place a caravan, but some people may want to add a garden house or other outbuilding. Now we provide regulations that state how and where this is possible. That is also much clearer for the residents.”
The city is now approaching the residents with rough outlines.
“We are actively involving the neighbourhood in these plans,”
Says Alderman Alessandro Cucchiara (Vooruit-Groen). The design of the public project can be observed at the public inquiry from February 28 through April 28 at multiple locations, including city hall and the website. A written response about the design is welcome from everyone through letter or email communication.
In addition, the city is organising an information session on March 13 from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM in the ‘t Kapelleke hall.
“In this way, we want to draw up a plan together with the neighbourhood that creates clarity for the future,”
Concludes Alderman Nagels.
What is the history of mobile home parks in Horensberg?
Mobile home parks such as Horensberg historically experienced uncertainties because of their ambiguous zoning classifications. These areas serve as short-term locations for residents, while they do not function as permanent homes in numerous regions. The decision by Genk demonstrates broader community trends in categorising these places as permanent residential areas.
Flanders, along with these similar regions, benefits by recognising trailer parks as official residential districts to balance their housing requirements while securing lasting residence solutions for current community members.
