The province of West Flanders had previously given the green light for the hood, but after a profession by the VZW Protective Trees and Nature of Yvan De Clerck, the application was still rejected. According to the Flemish government, cutting adult trees for solar energy is not a sustainable choice, certainly not if alternatives are available.
The trees also make an important contribution to the local ecosystem and they offer shelter to birds and bats, among others. The Department of Environment indicates that green energy is valuable, but may not be at the expense of existing nature.
