How a concrete path seems to be just wood: De Panne walks into the beach path

The planché in De Panne has its advantages: it is easy for wheelchairs and prams and you do not walk in the shadow of the apartments.

A temporary solution

The idea came about during corona. Municipalities had to spread the population and in De Panne they decided to build a walking path on the beach. “Then we used those elements that they use at festivals, wooden floors,” says alderman Wim Janssens. “That was a good temporary solution. Not as a permanent path. To further prevent splinters and poor maintenance, we opted for a concrete with a beautiful wood pattern. Maintenance then goes smoothly and we then have a sustainable product.”

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However, the path for the concrete path was not smooth: a complaint was received from the non-profit organization Protect Trees and Nature. But the congregation persevered. The path is there, the municipality has a permit in its pocket, but an appeal is still pending with the Council for Permit Disputes.

Stayer

“We expect a ruling after the summer,” says Janssens. “We look forward to that positively. If you read how people are now reading and thinking about this concept of a path on the beach that is perfectly removable, leaves no traces and has no impact on nature, then I am convinced that this will stay is becoming.”