Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Plans for two residential towers at 65 meters were changed due to local opposition. Rikkert Leman, CEO of Alides, highlights the need for affordable housing and easier permit processes.
Initially, there were plans for residential towers up to 90 meters high, but strong opposition from residents forced changes to the project. The revised plan now includes six buildings, featuring two residential towers at 65 meters. Rikkert Leman, CEO of project developer Alides, described the permitting process as complex. Peter Lessens of Cores Development, who is collaborating with Alides, acknowledged that while such challenges are common, the lengthy process increases costs, ultimately impacting the buyers.
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Last year, the new plans for the towers got approved, but some people still didn’t agree. After discussions, everyone dropped their complaints, and by early February, the permit was given, so construction could start. The project had more than seven years of legal problems before this. Now, the developers want the government to make getting permits easier and to limit how much residents can complain.
According to Leman, it’s not right for one or two people to stop a big city project that can help many others. He wishes they could finish the project faster because there is a need for good and affordable housing. The project will have homes for families and people in wheelchairs. There will be 120 budget apartments for some groups at lower prices, and it will also have cafes, restaurants, shops, and a community center.
