Mechelen’s city council began a debate on Monday on the potential construction by the Ecopower company of a 230-metre-high wind turbine in Mechelen-Noord, near the Battel district.
During a public enquiry that ended on 9 February, 770 objections were submitted. Many residents are concerned about noise, shadow flicker, and other environmental impacts. Natuurpunt also lodged an objection due to unclear effects on bird populations.
During Monday’s debate, opposition parties questioned the city’s position. “No other turbine in Flanders is 230-meters high, so we don’t know the impact of such a turbine,” said Anne Delvoye of Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA). “The city’s advice is crucial in the Flemish government’s decision on this project.”
Vlaams Belang, Christen Democratisch en Vlaams (CD&V), and the Belgian Workers’ Party (PVDA) raised similar concerns.
Councillor for Climate and Energy, Arthur Orlians (Voor Mechelen), gave the assurance that all objections would be thoroughly reviewed. “The city supports wind turbines in Mechelen for climate benefits, financial returns, and strategic independence,” he stated.
Orlians noted that Ecopower applied for the permit for the Mechelen-Noord project, with the city only coordinating the public enquiry.
“We will review all objections and formulate an advice by 28 February,” the city councillor said. “This advice could be negative, positive, or positive with conditions. The final decision, however, lies with the Flemish government and Minister Jo Brouns (Environment), regardless of the city’s advice,” he explained.
