The application proposed 34 building plots for single-family homes, comprising 10 for detached houses and 24 for semi-detached houses. To provide access, new roads were to be constructed, connecting to Scheppelijkestraat and Heergrachtstraat, both of which are dead-end side streets of Toemaathoek.
The area is currently undeveloped, consisting of meadows, farmland, and woodland. Although the regional plan designates it as a residential zone, this does not permit all forms of residential development. The municipal government considers good spatial planning and the municipal housing vision when evaluating permit applications.
The municipal council approved the density vision and housing zoning plan on March 25, 2024. A transition period applied to development projects already underway at that time, which has now expired. The area between Toemaathoek and Scheppelijkestraat is designated as a 'residential zone to be preserved', where the municipality aims to maintain the existing green character and limit further residential densification. New residential developments with additional roads are, in principle, not permitted here.
The proposed development does not fit within this vision. Furthermore, the construction of homes, outbuildings, and paved areas would lead to the loss of many trees and green space. The municipal government also identified other shortcomings, including aspects related to housing quality, the design of the building plots, and conditions for social and affordable housing.
Numerous objections and a petition list were submitted during the permit procedure. Further details on the municipal density vision and the housing zoning plan are available on the municipality's website. Page 73 of the full housing zoning plan outlines the zoning for Ginderbuiten.
The applicant has the right to appeal this decision within the stipulated deadlines. If an appeal is filed, the deputation of the province of Antwerp will re-evaluate the permit application.
