Knokke (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Knokke residents have filed an appeal against the permit for an underground parking garage beneath the Approach Golf site, citing environmental and legal concerns.
Earlier this year, the municipality in Belgium first denied a permission for the garage’s construction, but the province later approved it. However, locals are increasingly taking their permit disputes to the Council.
They worry about flooding, biodiversity loss, and stability issues for nearby residences.
Compagnie Het Zoute, a real estate developer, plans to construct a 7,200 square meter underground parking structure beneath the golf courses.
With 58 special garage boxes and additional 93 standard boxes, it can accommodate 151 cars. A dedicated car lift will also be available in the underground parking to safely lower the premium vehicles.
Last year, the parking garage was not permitted by the previous local government; however, in April, the province approved the project. The permit is currently being appealed by four parties, including two groups of co-owners and the non-profit organization Leefbare Approach Knokke-Zoute.
They worry about flooding, biodiversity loss, and stability issues for nearby residences.
“A 7,200 square meter underground surface will be completely filled with a concrete structure, which entails a greater risk of flooding, warming of the environment, less CO2 storage by plants and the soil and a loss of biodiversity,”
say the residents.
What arguments are residents using in their appeal to the Council for Permit Disputes?
Locals worry that the subterranean garage’s development may interfere with the area’s natural water drainage and raise the possibility of flooding.
They fear that the project may harm biodiversity and local ecosystems, hurting plants and animals that depend on the golf course habitat.
Concerns have been raised that building and excavation operations may jeopardize the stability of surrounding residences, possibly leading to damage or safety risks.
These arguments, which form the basis of their challenge against the permission issued by the province notwithstanding the municipality’s original refusal, center on the possible adverse effects on the environment as well as the safety and well-being of the local people. The appeal seeks to have these issues carefully examined and the permit decision reexamined in light of them.
