Kerkeveld

Sand quarry

The area that we cross via the footpath is known as the Kerkeveld and referred to in the Regional Plan as the Reclamation Area. More specifically, it concerns a sand (sablon) extraction of which the sand quarry that we see in the distance is only a first small part of the extraction. In November 2010, the operator obtained an additional permit for 18 years (until November 2028) to exploit and fill this 18 ha area. After the reclamation, the northern part would become agricultural land and the southern part would become residential expansion area. The sand quarry has been the subject of a conflict between the operator and the inhabitants of Neerijse (action committee Kerkenveld) for years.

The environmental permit was repeatedly annulled by the Council of State on the basis of complaints about the unlivability and insecurity of the neighborhood. The then Minister of Environment and Agriculture issued a permit five times, which was repeatedly annulled by the Council of State. Since the last destruction on October 17, 2017, the operation has ceased. Since then, only filling work has been carried out in the sand quarry.

Rotary Club Overijse-Zoniën