Minister Jo Brouns has granted a conditional permit for the installation of a wind turbine at the Allnex site, located on the border between Drogenbos and Ruisbroek. The municipal councils of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw and Drogenbos disagree with this decision and have announced they will jointly appeal the permit.
Both municipalities have previously opposed the wind turbine's arrival, maintaining their stance that the proposed location is unsuitable for an additional turbine. They point out that seven wind turbines already exist along the canal and suggest that other areas should contribute to achieving climate and energy goals. An alternative location, further away near the Brussels ring road where no residences are situated, is proposed.
Mayor Calmeyn deeply regrets the decision, which he believes contradicts minister Brouns' own decree, particularly regarding the distance to the nearest homes. He reiterates that the turbine's placement primarily benefits two parties: the operator Luminus and the off-taker Allnex, while potentially having a negative impact on nearby residents and their living environment, not to mention the possible decrease in property values.
The mayor and the college of mayor and aldermen therefore explicitly request a review of this decision and a serious investigation into alternative locations. They also suggest exploring viable alternatives, such as the further installation of solar panels on Allnex's own premises.
While Sint-Pieters-Leeuw and Drogenbos acknowledge the importance of wind energy, they believe wind turbines should be situated in locations where the impact on local residents is minimized.
