City of Kortrijk postpones decision on permitting new windmill on Barco site
The Kortrijk imaging specialist Barco is planning a 180-metre wind turbine on its campus at ‘t Hoge. “Wind energy helps in the fight against global warming. In addition, this project reduces our dependence on expensive foreign energy. Two challenges that are high on the agenda today,” Barco said.
Need for extra figures
Barco submitted a permit application for the construction of one wind turbine on the Manpadstraat side. According to a consultancy, that location is suitable, but the City of Kortrijk does not agree with that.
The turbine must be able to meet environmental standards in all aspects with regard to noise, shadow cast and safety and must not cause any nuisance to local residents and visitors. “On the basis of the submitted file, it is not sufficiently clear whether the operator is able to offer the necessary guarantees. There is a need for additional argumentation and figures.”
An action committee from the neighborhood has already filed objections against the arrival of the windmill.
Province decides
“It is also unclear whether the profitability of the wind turbine, after the imposition of the mitigating measures, will still be in proportion to the spatial impact of the wind turbine.” The wind turbine would be 180 meters high and produce energy for 3200 families.
The city shifts the decision to the province. A decision will be made no later than September 20.