Zonnebeke (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Mayor Koen Meersseman of Zonnebeke is worried about too many wind turbine requests along the A19 highway. A new 230-meter turbine plan with 462 complaints collected by Frontwind Geluveld/Beselare. The Flemish government will decide, but the process may take years due to appeals.
Mayor Koen Meersseman of Zonnebeke hears the worries of residents about another wind turbine request along the A19 highway. He says there have been many applications for wind energy in the area, and he thinks there should be a limit.
He mentioned that a previous request for a turbine at Frezenberg is still being reviewed, and now there is a new plan for a bigger one. Meersseman feels this is too much for the town and its people. He knows renewable energy is important, but he questions the need for more wind projects in the same area if they do not help the community.
Mayor Koen Meersseman says:
“Zonnebeke is plagued by the many requests for windmills along the A19. We previously had a request for a windmill at the Frezenberg. That is still being processed. Now another request. I think it should slowly stop.”
How will a 230m turbine impact Zonnebeke’s landscape?
The mayor talked about 3 wind turbines built by Aspiravi along the A19 in Geluwe near Wervik. These turbines were built 3 years ago after a legal issue. They are 150 meters tall, but the new turbine being proposed is much bigger at 230 meters. Aspiravi says this new turbine could provide electricity for 6,300 homes.
The mayor is not sure if this is good for Zonnebeke. He points out that the town and its people would not get free electricity from it. He said that this raises questions about whether the wind turbine is good for the local community, especially with many wind projects already in the area.
“Our scenic villages along the A19 must not become a West Flemish wind turbine paradise”
Mayor Koen Meersseman
The action group Frontwind Geluveld/Beselare is against the new wind turbine. They have gathered 462 complaints from residents. Spokesman Bart Vanden Broucke says one main concern is the height of the turbine. It will be 3 times taller than the IJzertoren, making it very noticeable. The group believes the turbine will change the look of the countryside around Geluveld and Beselare, ruining the scenic area.
Spokesman Bart Vanden Broucke says:
“People have difficulty estimating the height, but it is 3 times as high as the lzertoren. Residents are afraid of their health, noise, vibrations and shadow flicker. But it also has an impact on the beautiful open landscape of the villages of Geluveld and Beselare.”
Geluveld/Beselare is ready to fight the wind turbine project. They know it will take a long time in court. They believe they can stop the turbine from being approved. They worry that if one turbine gets approved, more will come.
The Zonnebeke Board of Aldermen will give their advice soon. But the final choice will be made by the Flemish government. They mentioned that even after a decision, people can appeal it. This could make the process take years before a final answer is reached.
“We are confident that we can stop this application, otherwise we would not start. But we fear a mushroom effect: as soon as one is submitted, more will follow, ”
Geluveld/Beselare said.
