Woluwe Shopping receives negative decision on extension project by local authority

The municipality of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert has delivered a negative opinion on Woluwe Shopping Centre’s application for a planning permit for an extension, it was announced on Tuesday.

Eurocommercial, the Dutch owner of the centre, has applied to the Brussels-Capital region for an urban planning permit to expand its current site to create 95 residential apartments above new shops. The two-storey extension would give it an extra 7,800m² of retail space.

Called upon for a decision, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert stated that the project was not a good fit with the neighbourhood due to its size, volume and aesthetics. “The lateral facades are particularly poorly integrated into the urban fabric and are too high", it pointed out. Local resident associations are also opposed to the expansion.

In addition, the municipality was concerned that the proposed construction of a new two-storey underground car park could hamper the natural flow of water as the site was located in an area of moderate to high flood risk. "If the delivery of the planning permit falls within the competence of the delegated official, the college of mayors and aldermen is determined to defend the interests of the inhabitants and will oppose any project that would jeopardise the urban balance of the district", it said about the project that remains under review.

Photo: Belga © Laurie Dieffembacq