Aalbeke (Eurotoday) – Aalbeke residents, led by an action committee, oppose Bosschaert’s new clay quarry due to worries about the environment and health. Despite 722 objections and the council’s rejection, the final decision lies with provincial authorities.
In Aalbeke, a district of Kortrijk, there is significant opposition to a proposed new clay quarry by the company Bosschaert. This is not the first time Bosschaert has sought permission; a decade ago, public protests forced the company to withdraw its request.
Once again, Bosschaert has applied for a permit, triggering strong opposition from Aalbeke residents. The planned quarry in the Doomanstraat area has raised environmental and health concerns. Locals fear the site could be used for dumping contaminated soil after clay extraction. Additional worries include dust pollution and noise, which could negatively impact their quality of life. The community has united in resistance to the project.
Will Aalbeke residents stop the clay pit quarry?
The PLACEHOLDER5ad6a7bbb60e9b10 council has rejected Bosschaert’s request for a PLACEHOLDER4e5ac5df86de0f09 quarry permit. Alderman Hannelore Vanhoenacker emphasized that the council is particularly concerned about environmental and traffic-related impacts.
Vanhoenacker highlighted that the extracted clay would not be used locally, meaning transportation would pose logistical and environmental challenges. Due to these issues, the council decided to deny the proposal. However, the final decision rests with provincial authorities.
“We have indeed given the application a negative recommendation,”
confirmed Alderman Hannelore Vanhoenacker (TBSK).
Provincial authorities are expected to announce their decision by mid-April 2025. Vanhoenacker cautioned that there is no guarantee the provincial government will align with the local council’s stance. Meanwhile, residents continue to voice their opposition. The local action committee has mobilized substantial efforts, submitting hundreds of formal objections and organizing public demonstrations.
A protest march and an information session each drew about 200 participants, reflecting the depth of community resistance. Vanhoenacker noted the strong public turnout, calling it a testament to Aalbeke residents’ commitment to safeguarding their environment.
“A striking number of objections have been submitted. There was also a protest march and an information meeting about the plans that attracted about 200 people.”
said Vanhoenacker.
On January 26, 2025, hundreds gathered to express their opposition, following an earlier meeting on January 14, 2025, where around 100 residents voiced concerns. Beyond protests, the action committee has been actively working to halt the project, submitting 722 formal objections and collecting 1,245 signatures from local supporters.
The city council reviewed these objections by February 4, 2025, and now the community awaits the final verdict. Officials note that beyond the quarry’s direct impact, the protest underlines broader concerns about environmental preservation and the community’s overall well-being.
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