The Raad van State has recently ruled on the protection status of the watering De Holen as a cultural-historical landscape. This decision impacts local infrastructure plans, specifically the long-debated bypass road in the municipality of Pelt. On 2025-06-21 18:25:00, the court overturned the protection, clearing the way for future development.
- Raad van State vernietigt bescherming De Holen
- Omleidingsweg gepland in gewestplan jaren '70
- Gemeente Pelt pleit voor omleidingsweg
- Omleidingsweg wil doorgaand verkeer weren
- Gemeente wint zaak tegen gebiedsbescherming
De Holen has been shielded from development for years, but it stood in the path of a bypass road outlined in the regional plan from the 1970s. The municipality of Pelt has pushed hard for this road to divert through traffic away from its centre, aiming to improve local traffic flow and safety. Their appeal to the Raad van State has now been successful.
What does this decision mean for Pelt and its residents? And how will it affect the balance between heritage preservation and modern infrastructure needs? The answer lies in the court’s ruling and its implications for the region’s future.
Could this ruling set a precedent for other protected landscapes in Belgium? It highlights the ongoing tension between preserving cultural sites and addressing urban traffic challenges. Key points to consider include:
- The importance of improving traffic flow and safety in Pelt’s centre
- The potential loss of cultural-historical landscapes in favour of infrastructure
- How regional plans from decades ago still influence today’s development
- The role of legal appeals in balancing heritage and progress
Looking ahead, Pelt’s authorities must carefully manage construction to respect local heritage while enhancing mobility. Will other municipalities follow suit in prioritising infrastructure over preservation? The coming months will reveal how this balance unfolds nationwide.
