Elicio, which initially proposed five wind turbines in Molenbaix in 2023, has revised its plan to three. This modification necessitated a prior information meeting on Wednesday, October 7th, as legally required before an environmental impact study. The session was attended by 75 citizens from Celles and surrounding areas.
Despite the reduction in the number of turbines, the mayor of Celles, Michaël Busine, confirmed the municipality's firm stance. "Our opposition was not solely based on the number of machines," he stated. "It concerns the site selection, the protection of our rural landscape, biodiversity, and the residents' quality of life." He emphasized that the project reduction does not resolve the serious objections previously raised, including landscape impacts, protection of the Montagu's Harrier, and cumulative effects.
Michaël Busine reiterated that the Chaussée de Renaix is not a structuring axis justifying such an installation, and the local countryside should not be turned into a suitable site for a wind farm. He expressed frustration over the repeated efforts required to defend the area against a series of projects, including those from Elicio, an expansion in Molenbaix, and a Luminus project in Velaines. The municipality believes it has already contributed to renewable energy efforts with existing turbines and local production meeting Celles' needs in 2024.
The mayor stressed that Celles cannot serve as a reserve for every new developer, benefiting investors while residents bear the landscape and environmental consequences. He recalled that the previous permit was refused by the administration and then by the minister, a decision the municipality is defending before the Council of State. Consequently, the opposition remains absolute to this new proposal of three turbines.
Citizens have until October 22, 2026, to submit their observations, suggestions, or propose technical alternatives. These must be sent in writing to the Collège Communal de Celles, Rue Parfait 14, 7760 Celles, or by email to urbanisme@celles.be, with a copy to Elicio (attn: Marie DESCAMPS, John Cordierlaan 9, 8400 Ostende, or email marie.descamps@elicio.be).
