Rotselaar, Belgium – The action group Semper Ferraris has achieved a significant victory in its ongoing efforts to protect local forests by successfully blocking plans to parcelize an old forest along the Heirbaan in Rotselaar for the third time.

The Flemish Brabant province had granted a concession to build homes in the forest; however, the municipality of Rotselaar has imposed a development freeze, which the action group leveraged to challenge the project.

Philip Croes, chairman of Semper Ferraris, commented on the development, stating that it involved converting a piece of forest into a residential area.

He explained that although the owner's request for development was permitted at the provincial level, it contradicted the municipality's established policy due to the subdivision freeze that had previously been enacted.

Croes noted that the council overseeing permit disputes recognized that this situation was inconsistent with local regulations regarding subdivision.

The council's decision emphasized the importance of adherence to established policies, asserting that deviations from the subdivision ban require compelling justification.

Croes remarked on the significance of setting a legal precedent in preserving local flora by referring to a recent case where the province acknowledged the subdivision freeze in another instance.

Despite the successful obstruction of further development, Croes reported that some damage has already occurred; a number of trees have been cut down due to a previously issued cutting permit before the appeal was finalized.

He expressed concern over the loss but indicated that the affected area primarily consisted of younger forest growth.

According to Croes, the owner is now obligated to replant the felled trees as a part of the mitigation measures.

Semper Ferraris has leveraged its appeal against the building permit as part of a broader effort to protect forests in Flanders, employing tactics such as public awareness campaigns, political engagement, and legal challenges.

The group's activities reflect a robust grassroots movement dedicated to environmental conservation, highlighting the vital role of local organizations in safeguarding ecosystems from development pressures.

These developments underscore the ongoing tension between land development and environmental protections within Belgium, where local action groups are increasingly active in challenging construction permits and advocating for sustainable land use practices.