Flanders introduces distance rules for large wind turbines
Flemish environment minister Jo Brouns is introducing distance rules for large wind turbines higher than 200 metres, reported Het Laatste Nieuws. Flanders already had rules around noise and cast shadow, but not for distance.
Flemish environment minister Jo Brouns refused a permit for a wind turbine for the first time because the distance from habitation was too small. One of the four planned 266.5-metre wind turbines that Engie and Katoen Natie want to build in the Ghent canal zone was denied a permit. The wind turbine would be set up 280 metres from habitation, which is too close, minister Brouns ruled. He is seizing on the Ghent case to introduce distance rules for wind turbines.
“Flanders is too small to simply place such mastodons everywhere"
“For wind turbines higher than 200 metres, the distance to the first residence must be at least three times the tip height from now on,” explained Brouns. “For a 250-metre wind turbine, the distance to the residential area must therefore be at least 750 metres from now on. If this is not the case, I will not grant the project a permit.” He will launch the rule in a new circular in the coming weeks.
Flanders already had rules on noise and cast shadow, but not yet on distance. Abroad, these already exist. “And rightly so, because the quality of life of citizens must come first,” declared the minister. “Flanders is too small to simply place such mastodons everywhere.” According to him, the new rules can increase public support for wind energy.
#FlandersNewsService | Illustration © BELGA PHOTO Pia Bayer / dpa
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