Urban Sprawl curbed by Walloon’s Constraints on Commercial Areas and Four-Sided Villas.

The fight against urban sprawl for housing and businesses is being strengthened by the reforms of the code and of the territorial development plan. The objectives also extend to commercial establishments. An image with an aria-label describes the harm done to climate objectives and biodiversity by the extension of habitable zones at the cost of agricultural land. The article is written by Eric Deffet, a political journalist, and published on 04/04/2023 at 14:02. It discusses how Wallonia is adopting a trajectory aimed at slowing down the artificialization of the soil from 2025 and stopping it in 2050. Since the 1950s, the extension of habitable zones has taken place at the expense of agricultural land and city centers that have become less attractive. Between 1985 and 2021, urbanization has increased by 562 km2, more than three times the area of ​​the city of Namur. The article is behind a paywall for subscribers only.

The reforms of the code and of the territorial development plan strengthen the fight against urban sprawl for housing and businesses. The objectives extend to commercial establishments.


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Political journalist


Reading time: 4 mins

La Wallonia jealously guards one of its riches: its territory. It has adopted a trajectory aimed at slowing down the artificialization of the soil from 2025 and stopping it in 2050. Since the 1950s, the extension of habitable zones, in the broad sense of the term, has taken place to the detriment of agricultural land and city centers that have become less attractive. Between 1985 and 2021, urbanization has increased by 562 km2, more than three times the area of ​​the city of Namur.




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In conclusion, Wallonia’s commitment to preserving its territory and fighting against urban sprawl is a positive step in the right direction. The reforms of the code and the territorial development plan strengthen this fight and extend its reach to commercial establishments. However, there is still work to be done to slow down the artificialization of the soil and protect agricultural land and city centers. As citizens, we can support these efforts by making conscious choices in our daily lives and supporting policies that prioritize sustainability and preservation. Thank you for reading.

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