The hornbeam was already discussed at the previous municipal council and will be discussed again tonight. The developer of nearby new-build apartments is asking the municipality to cut down the tree, because in full leaf it would obstruct the view and hinder sales. Lower shrubs would take their place.
Natuurpunt Groot-Staden opposes that plan. “If this tree disappears – and there are not many trees here – then other trees can also disappear more easily. You cannot say: we will do it for one and not for the other,” says Filip Moerman of Natuurpunt Groot-Staden. Colleague Peter Demey also points out the importance of greenery in the center: “Trees are becoming increasingly important, especially with global warming. This tree has been here for 25 years, the apartment buildings are recent. It would be a great shame if the tree had to disappear now.”