Nature group files fresh complaint over Ikast golf resort

The Danish Society for Nature Conservation has filed a new complaint over a golf resort in Ikast-Brande, saying protected nature was damaged before permission was sought. DR reports that the golf course is owned by clothing billionaire Jens Poulsen, who is behind DKCompany.

The complaint follows a municipal council decision nearly two months ago to approve almost all aspects of the course involving nature protection, rural zone permits and exemptions from the local plan. Poulsen has said he felt publicly shamed over the case.

The association first complained to the Danish Planning and Rural District Agency about matters concerning the Planning Act. It has now also complained about matters involving the Nature Protection Act.

“It is our protected and important nature that has been destroyed. It is very serious because it was done first and permission was sought afterwards, which was granted,” said Maria Mosegaard Mortensen, chair of the association’s local branch in Ikast-Brande.

The case includes a municipal exemption for a road and two paths running through protected heathland. The exemption requires Poulsen to establish replacement nature covering twice the affected area.

The association also says it has found evidence that the golf course has taken in a larger area than previously reported. “Our laws must always take precedence over the fact that restoring what has been damaged is a hassle,” Mortensen said.

Mayor Ib Lauritsen said in a text message that the complaint was “expected”. Poulsen declined to comment until the complaint case is over.