The Flemish Government has taken an important step towards clearer and more consistent regulations for water-permeable surfaces.
For the first time, Flanders has published a single reference list of approved water-permeable paving materials for applications such as driveways, front gardens, terraces and pathways. The initiative aims to harmonise the interpretation of existing regulations across municipalities and provide greater certainty for homeowners, designers and local authorities.
Importantly for the synthetic turf industry, permeable synthetic turf is included on this reference list, provided it is installed with a perforated backing and a water-permeable foundation that allows rainwater to infiltrate into the soil.
While the publication does not introduce new legislation, it offers a clear and uniform framework for assessing water-permeable solutions. Until now, municipalities could interpret the rules differently, leading to uncertainty about which materials were acceptable.
Flanders has a particularly strict approach compared with most other European countries. Under the Flemish planning framework, synthetic turf has traditionally been regarded as a form of hard paving (“verharding”), meaning it counts towards the maximum amount of paving permitted on a residential plot. This has significantly limited its use, particularly in private back gardens, despite modern synthetic turf systems being permeable and contributing to sustainable water management.
The recognition of permeable synthetic turf for use in driveways and front gardens is therefore an important milestone. It demonstrates that the Flemish Government acknowledges the water-permeable characteristics of properly designed synthetic turf systems and represents a positive step towards a more science-based approach to material classification.
ESTC welcomes this development and considers it an important first step. The Association will continue its dialogue with the Flemish Government to demonstrate that modern permeable synthetic turf should not be classified as hard paving. ESTC believes that, when installed on a fully permeable construction, synthetic turf should also be recognised as a suitable solution for private gardens and other landscaped areas, where it can contribute to water conservation, lower maintenance requirements and attractive green spaces.
The new reference list therefore provides greater clarity for manufacturers, installers and consumers while laying the foundation for further discussions on the role of synthetic turf in sustainable residential landscaping.
Read the full article here: https://www.nieuwsblad.be/binnenland/grote-kiezels-en-kunstgras-met-gaten-allereerste-vlaamse-lijst-met-waterdoorlatende-verhardingen-is-klaar/157733190.html