Ostend (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Versluys responds 1st time to the Oosteroever towers protest in Ostend. Alderman Judith Ooms and Heritage Agency approvals support the project, while De Decker warns against false claims and possible legal action.
As VRT News reported, construction company Versluys has for the 1st time responded to protests over its plan to build 2 residential towers in Ostend. Versluys says it has received all required approvals. Spokesperson De Decker said,
“The entire procedure has been completed for the Mistral building, the proposed 17-story residential tower. The city has received all recommendations, and they are all positive, including that from the Heritage Agency.”
Despite this, objections have been filed by citizens and groups.
What approvals and objections surround Versluys’ Oosteroever tower project in Ostend?
The city of Ostend will now review the concerns and decide whether to grant the construction permit. Officials must consider both the positive recommendations and the public objections. The final decision will determine if the towers can be built and will affect the future development of the city’s waterfront.
The city of Ostend has asked the Heritage Agency to review the zoning rules for the Oosteroever area. Judith Ooms, Alderman for Urban Development for Vooruit, said,
“Construction will definitely take place on Oosteroever, but our request does not give us a free pass to do whatever we want on the site.”
Versluys spokesperson De Decker said the site has a long history of development. He explained,
“The city has built buildings for the P&O shipping company, constructed dog training schools, and created parking lots.”
He added that every study, spatial implementation plan, and planning document under the 1976 Royal Decree included the area as land where construction was allowed.
“That people are now claiming in the local press that we’ve excavated dunes and disturbed a nature reserve? That’s patently untrue. Some people simply want to harm us. If this smear campaign continues, we’ll consider legal action,”
De Decker concludes.
The project is planned on a site next to the already developed areas of Oosteroever, Vuurtorendok, and Fortstraat. Several activist groups have opposed the plan, saying it could change the character of the waterfront and affect the area’s heritage.
The land has a long history. It was once owned by the Flemish government, then transferred to the city of Ostend, and finally sold to Groep Versluys in 2018. Opponents also refer to a 1976 royal decree. The decree says no construction is allowed on this site unless the Heritage Agency gives a positive recommendation. They say this rule must be respected before any building can take place.
