Six countries urge Flanders to rethink Westhoek wind turbines

Six nations have asked the Flemish government to halt permits for new wind turbines in Belgium’s Westhoek region, VRT NWS writes. They warn they could damage a landscape of exceptional First World War significance.

Ambassadors from the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and France signed a letter from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), which manages many war cemeteries and memorials. Their intervention follows plans for large turbines near Zonnebeke and a recent permit granted for a turbine in nearby Beselare.

The CWGC says the open countryside forms an essential part of the UNESCO-recognised commemorative landscape of the Ypres Salient, and fears turbines would disrupt historic views.

Local mayor Koen Meersseman welcomed the support. Battlefield guides in the area said concern abroad was unsurprising given the continuing importance of the war to visitors from Commonwealth countries.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Tyne Cot Cemetery, a British military cemetery in Passendale, Ipres © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER}