BRUSSELS — The Council of State has decided against following the advice of its auditor, who recommended the suspension of Zaventem Airport’s environmental permit. 

The auditor advised the council last week the permit was illegal because the Flemish government had issued it without drawing up an environmental impact report.

Airport operator BIAC was awarded on 30 December 2004 a 20-year permit by Flemish Environment Minister Kris Peeters. The permit allows 25,000 night flights per year.

However, the Wemmel municipal council plus Noordrand and Steenokkerzeel residents lodged objections against the permit in the Council of State.

The auditor backed their stance, stating that EU legislation — rather than Flemish law — obligates the Flemish government to draw up an environmental report when extending a permit.

And it was reported on Wednesday that the Council of State usually follows the advice of its auditors.

However, in this case, the council rejected the advice, ruling that the permit is legal, newspaper ‘De Standaard’ reported on Thursday.

[Copyright Expatica News 2005]

Subject: Belgian news