Flemish Government Issues Negative Opinion on Solar Park Proposal in Turnhout Agricultural Area
Concerns over land use and agricultural suitability lead to rejection of solar energy project near industrial zone.
The Flemish government has issued a negative opinion regarding the proposal for a solar park submitted by energy producer Storm, located near the Veedijk industrial area in Turnhout.
The site in question spans 6.4 hectares, situated to the south of Veedijk.
In late February, the Boerenbond, a farmers' organization, submitted an objection to Turnhout's mayor, Hannes Anaf, highlighting concerns related to land use.
Mien Van Olmen, a member of the Flemish Parliament from the CD&V party, raised questions with Vlaams minister of Agriculture Jo Brouns regarding the government's stance on the proposal and the availability of advisory opinions.
Van Olmen emphasized the need for careful consideration given the scarcity of available land for agriculture, nature, and housing.
She suggested that rooftop spaces should be prioritized for solar panel installation to prevent encroachment on agricultural land.
Van Olmen has expressed concerns over potential threats to land use in agricultural areas, which she warns could lead to a gradual erosion of agricultural space.
The Flemish coalition agreement sets ambitious targets for renewable energy production by 2030. However, it also explicitly states the objective of improving access to land for young farmers and investigating ways to prevent speculation on agricultural land.
In a session of the Commission for Environment, Nature, and Spatial Planning, Jo Brouns stated that the government had given an unfavorable opinion on the solar projects in Jabbeke and Turnhout, contending that they do not align with the agricultural designation of the land.
Brouns noted that the installation of solar panels does not allow for compatibility with productive agriculture or conventional farming practices.
The negative advisory opinion has been forwarded to the municipal council of Turnhout, which is responsible for deciding whether to grant the solar park's permit.
The site in question spans 6.4 hectares, situated to the south of Veedijk.
In late February, the Boerenbond, a farmers' organization, submitted an objection to Turnhout's mayor, Hannes Anaf, highlighting concerns related to land use.
Mien Van Olmen, a member of the Flemish Parliament from the CD&V party, raised questions with Vlaams minister of Agriculture Jo Brouns regarding the government's stance on the proposal and the availability of advisory opinions.
Van Olmen emphasized the need for careful consideration given the scarcity of available land for agriculture, nature, and housing.
She suggested that rooftop spaces should be prioritized for solar panel installation to prevent encroachment on agricultural land.
Van Olmen has expressed concerns over potential threats to land use in agricultural areas, which she warns could lead to a gradual erosion of agricultural space.
The Flemish coalition agreement sets ambitious targets for renewable energy production by 2030. However, it also explicitly states the objective of improving access to land for young farmers and investigating ways to prevent speculation on agricultural land.
In a session of the Commission for Environment, Nature, and Spatial Planning, Jo Brouns stated that the government had given an unfavorable opinion on the solar projects in Jabbeke and Turnhout, contending that they do not align with the agricultural designation of the land.
Brouns noted that the installation of solar panels does not allow for compatibility with productive agriculture or conventional farming practices.
The negative advisory opinion has been forwarded to the municipal council of Turnhout, which is responsible for deciding whether to grant the solar park's permit.
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