Ikast-Brande council approves 14 disputed golf resort developments

Ikast-Brande municipal council has approved 14 of 15 disputed developments at a golf course, despite concerns that many had already breached nature protection, planning or local zoning rules, DR reports.

The developments were carried out by businessman Jens Poulsen, who is the developer of the course at Ikast Golf Club. The golf club has operated for more than 30 years on an old glacial hill.

A majority of councillors backed the proposal presented by the mayor at Monday evening’s meeting, where all available seats were taken and several people had to stand. The mayor said he had never dealt with a similar case.

The decision grants Poulsen exemptions in several cases where protected nature has been removed. In return, areas twice the size must be established elsewhere.

Poulsen attended the meeting and said the political process had not been based on an accurate factual foundation. He said the material was incomplete and, in several cases, directly misleading, adding that he felt he had achieved a major victory.

The municipal administration had recommended that seven of the 15 points be rejected, while eight should receive either permanent or temporary approval. Several councillors supported that recommendation.

Simon Vanggaard of the Danish People’s Party, who has previously criticised the project, said the case concerned more than minor errors and involved interventions in some of the municipality’s most valuable landscapes and natural areas. Councillors should grant exemptions when they were legally possible, he said, but must also be able to say no.

The only point that did not receive an exemption concerned plans to turn a gravel pit into a lake. The Central Denmark Region requires the pit to be returned to a level surface after use.