A proposed cell tower in the Alsace region of France is facing strong opposition from local residents and environmental groups concerned about its impact on the landscape and potential health risks. the planned 32-meter structure, slated for construction near the towns of Biblisheim, Durrenbach, and Walbourg, has sparked a petition garnering nearly 500 signatures and raised questions about openness in the approval process. As france continues to upgrade its telecommunications infrastructure, this case highlights the growing tensions between connectivity and the preservation of rural environments.
Residents and local associations are mounting opposition to a planned cell tower in the Alsace region of France, raising concerns about its impact on the landscape and potential health effects. The mobilization began when a resident, opposed to the project, discovered the notice of the plan posted at the town hall and alerted representatives from Sauer Nature and Villages paisibles.
“It’s questionable to address such a sensitive issue solely through a public notice,” said Pierre Berenbach, a resident who moved to Durrenbach in September specifically for its scenery. “My home will have a direct view of the antenna.” He added that while the antenna is slated for construction on land administered by Walbourg, it will be closer to homes in Biblisheim and Durrenbach, whose mayors were not informed.
Planned Installation Between Protected Areas
The proposed site is a privately-owned plot near a transformer, at the intersection of RD772, connecting Walbourg and Biblisheim, and Grand-rue in Durrenbach. The location would place the tower 222 meters from the first house in Biblisheim, 250 meters from a residence in Durrenbach, and 394 meters from a housing development in Walbourg.
The selected location, known as Obere Nachtweid, is the highest point in the surrounding area. Operator Orange intends to erect a 32-meter lattice tower with a slightly wider base, supporting six antennas. This development comes as telecom companies continue to invest in infrastructure to support growing mobile data demand.
“This will disfigure the landscape and the idyllic setting,” Berenbach continued, speaking on behalf of concerned residents. “Everyone values the meadows. The antenna will be twice as high as the trees.”
The associations, Villages paisibles and Sauer Nature, also expressed concerns about the tower’s proximity to two Natura 2000 sites – one for conservation and one for protection. “The antenna will be wedged between two protected areas, just meters from a zone where wildlife, insects, and frogs live,” explained Valérie Dennler, president of Villages paisibles.
Another concern raised is the lack of studies guaranteeing the health of nearby residents. “No studies exist to determine the long-term health risks associated with the cumulative effect of new and existing frequencies,” Berenbach added.
Associations and residents fear that other operators may add their transmitters to the future antenna. “Given the short range of 5G waves, additional relay antennas will inevitably be needed, considering the distances involved,” cautioned Jean Tyman. “We chose to live in the countryside precisely to be away from all of this.”
500 Signatures Against the Project
With only one week remaining in the allotted response period at the end of October, 16 volunteers – four from Biblisheim, six from Walbourg, and six from Durrenbach – collected 494 signatures opposing the project in three days. They delivered the signatures to Walbourg Mayor Francis Schneider on November 7th. “We hope there will be a dialogue,” said Jean Tyman.
Mayor Schneider, who declined to comment, has not specified whether the project has been approved or is still pending. According to sources, he has requested that the departmental consultation body provided for in the Postal and Electronic Communications Code (CPCE) convene to mediate. However, this body can only be convened for projects falling under the New Deal Mobile initiative, which this project does not qualify for. Similarly, the state has no authority to decide on the suitability of this installation.
According to documents filed by the operator and available for review at Walbourg Town Hall, construction is expected to be completed by mid-January (as of late December) with service anticipated to launch in mid-March 2026.
