Huldenburg (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Huldenberg approved a new sports centre in De Vlamoven, upsetting residents. Mayor Danny Vangoidtsenhoven says it’s needed for 600 footballers. Locals like Guido worry about traffic, noise, and farmland loss.
As VRT News reported, the Huldenberg, a municipality in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, council approved a new outdoor sports centre in the De Vlamoven area. This decision brought a lot of people to the council meeting. There weren’t enough seats for everyone.
The sports centre will be built on land used for farming. Many locals believe this land is an important part of the area’s countryside feel. Even though the council approved the project, people who live nearby are against it because they are worried it will change the peacefulness and nature of their environment.
Resident Guido said, who is also on the action committee.
“We are concerned about the traffic that such a sports centre would bring. This is not a place for cheering supporters and whistling referees. That should be possible of course, but not here.”
What impact will the new sports Centre have on De Vlamoven?
Guido said the area is currently very peaceful. People are worried that the new centre will bring more cars, noise, and change the green spaces. They think it could lead to more buildings on farmland.
Those who want the centre say Huldenberg needs better sports facilities, especially for young people. They might protest or take legal action to protect their neighbourhood. The main issue is whether to build new sports facilities or keep the area rural and quiet.
The new sports centre in De Vlamoven, a project discussed since 2022, according to Huldenberg’s mayor, Danny Vangoidtsenhoven, aims to solve the logistical challenges faced by the local football club. The club currently operates across 2 separate locations, an artificial turf field in Huldenberg and a natural grass field in Ottenburg, which has become impractical for the club’s many volunteers.
With approximately 600 active members, the club has outgrown its current facilities, and the consolidation of sports activities into a single new centre is seen as essential for the continued development of youth and community sports in Huldenberg.
“There were other locations on the table before De Vlamoven was chosen,”
Says Guido.
“Hopefully, they will reconsider those locations. The board must take the residents into account, not just spatial planning.”
Many residents hope the town will change its plans, as De Vlamoven is a quiet, residential area. Mayor Vangoidtsenhoven understands the concerns and says the town will talk to residents about the centre’s design and use.
The mayor mentioned that before building can start, the zoning plan needs to be changed, and then permits are needed. The mayor said he has lived near a football field for 30 years without problems, and believes careful planning can help the sports centre fit into the neighbourhood with little disruption.
