Residents of the Brussels municipalities of Berchem-Sainte-Agathe and Molenbeek-Saint-Jean are joining forces to oppose controversial plans for a new multi-faith cemetery on the Hoogveld site, in the west of Brussels.
A citizens' movement called SOS Hoogveld has emerged in response to plans to transform a large green space in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe into a burial ground accommodating thousands of graves.
The project, first reported on by Sudinfo in October, would see approximately 7,000 burial plots developed across five hectares of land on Rue Hoogenbos. The site includes 3.5 hectares owned by the City of Brussels' Social Welfare (CPAS) and an adjacent 1.5-hectare privately owned plot.
The proposed cemetery could open as early as 2029 and would provide enough burial capacity for approximately 15 years. However, residents living around the site, which borders Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, are determined to prevent the development from going ahead.
The Hoogveld field in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe. Credit: handout
'This is not the right place'
The proposed development would fundamentally change the character of a green space surrounded by residential buildings, with some homes overlooking the fields directly.
"We have gone from a market gardening project aimed at protecting this site to plans for a cemetery," said Laetitia, a resident of an adjacent street of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean.
"From my windows, I currently look out onto an open meadow. Tomorrow, there would be graves, fences and hearses right outside people's homes. This is not the right place for that."
Many residents are particularly concerned about the potential impact on mobility, parking, accessibility and traffic in the surrounding streets.
Others fear losing a natural environment that has been part of their daily lives for decades. "I have had this wonderful view before my eyes for 28 years, and now they want to take it away from me? Never!" said Dany, another resident of Rue du Bon Pasteur.
The view from the neighbours' backyards. Credit: handout
The movement is also highlighting the site's importance for local wildlife. "Hoogveld provides a refuge for wildlife – birds, foxes, stone martens, bees and other insects – but also offers a natural space where neighbourhood pets can roam freely," explained Laure, a veterinarian living on Rue de Grand-Bigard.
Mayor also opposes the location
The residents' concerns echo those previously expressed by Berchem-Sainte-Agathe Mayor Christian Lamouline (Les Engagés). The mayor questioned the suitability of the location, pointing out that nearly two-thirds of the land is designated as a green space under the Regional Land Use Plan (PRAS).
"Nothing can be built there, including a cemetery. The municipality is committed to protecting these areas and ensuring they remain green," Lamouline told Sudinfo.
He also raised concerns about accessibility and parking, describing the proposed location as inappropriate for such a development. The mayor revealed that the municipality had previously been working with the Brussels CPAS on a very different project for the site, involving community gardens and market gardening activities.
SOS Hoogveld insists that it opposes any cemetery development on the site, whether traditional, landscaped, natural or ecological, and regardless of the religious communities it would serve.
Brussels faces growing burial pressure
The controversy comes as Brussels faces an increasingly urgent shortage of multi-faith burial space.
The Intercommunal Multifaith Cemetery of Brussels, located in Evere, has experienced growing demand, particularly from Muslim families choosing to bury their relatives locally rather than repatriate their remains abroad.
To address the shortage, Brussels Minister for Local Government Ahmed Laaouej (PS) launched a €3 million regional call for projects in July to help municipalities create additional burial capacity.
A first solution was announced in September, when Schaerbeek agreed to transfer three sections of its municipal cemetery to the intermunicipal burial association, temporarily easing pressure on the existing site.
However, regional authorities are still seeking a longer-term solution. The Hoogveld proposal is among the projects submitted for regional consideration.
Cemetery of Schaerbeek, and the large multi-faith section. Credit: Schaerbeek Municipality
The City of Brussels has defended the proposal, arguing that residents should be able to be buried close to their loved ones while respecting their religious beliefs.
"When you have built your life in Brussels, it is only natural that you should also be able to rest here, close to your loved ones and in accordance with your beliefs. It is a matter of dignity," City of Brussels councillor for Religious Affairs Khalid Zian (PS) told Sudinfo.
Nevertheless, the project has not yet been approved and must still undergo assessment by Brussels Local Authorities.
Petition to be presented in November
SOS Hoogveld is now seeking to increase pressure on local authorities before any decision is taken. The movement has launched a website and social media pages to inform residents about the proposal and encourage them to participate in the campaign.
A citizens' petition is due to be presented to the Berchem-Sainte-Agathe municipal council on 26 November 2026, with residents hoping to obtain a clear position from the municipality.
The campaigners are also demanding that local communities be consulted before the project progresses any further.
