Zaffelare Heliport

Regulatory issues and local opposition. The primary reason for the closure was the repeated refusal by the Flemish regional government to grant or renew the necessary urban planning permit ('stedenbouwkundige vergunning'). This refusal was based on the heliport's location within a residential area ('woongebied') and the resulting noise complaints from local residents. Despite the owner winning some legal appeals at the Council of State, the persistent regulatory opposition made continued operation impossible.

The site has been fully reverted to its use as a private residential property. The location at Denen 12 in Lochristi now consists of a large private residence with extensive gardens. The building that likely served as a hangar is still present but appears to be used as a large garage or for storage. There are no visible markings or infrastructure to indicate an active heliport.

The heliport was a private facility, not open to the public. It was owned and exclusively used by Freddy Versluys, a prominent Belgian businessman in the defense industry and the owner of OIP Sensor Systems. The operations consisted of private and business-related flights in his personal helicopter. The heliport's main historical significance stems from the high-profile legal and political battles surrounding its operating permits, which became a notable case study in the conflict between private aviation rights and local zoning and environmental regulations in Belgium.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the heliport. Given the definitive permit refusals from the Flemish government and the documented history of strong opposition from the local community, the likelihood of obtaining the necessary permits to resume aviation activities at this residential location is virtually zero.