No new gates for US embassy in Brussels

The City of Brussels has turned down the United States Embassy’s request to build additional security gates in front of its offices in Boulevard du Régent, reports brusselnieuws.be. The construction plans would require the privatization of public space, the consultation committee ruled.

The US embassy submitted an application for planning permission for new fences on Rue de la Regence that would close off the sidewalk and part of the street to traffic and pedestrians. However, the consultation committee on Monday rejected the application because the project would privatize public space, with the gates forming a visible border.

"A wise decision," Brussels alderman for town planning Geoffroy Coomans de Brachène told brusselnieuws.be. "The security of the embassy must be guaranteed, of course, but it has to be done without turning the area into a fortress. The free circulation of traffic needs to be maintained."