General environmental law

Environmental permits 

The adoption of the Environmental Permits (General Provisions) Act (Wet algemene bepalingen omgevingsrecht) on 1 October 2010 resulted in the creation of a single, comprehensive licensing system for the general environmental domain. In other words, it is no longer possible to apply for a separate building permit (‘planning permission’) or environmental permit. The idea behind the single licensing system is that there should be just one point of contact for applicants, who fill in a single application form on which a single decision is taken.

The new Act also covers demolition permits, housing permits and occupancy permits.

Land-use plans

A land-use plan (or zoning plan) contains rules on the use of a particular area of land and describes what users may and may not do. They are not easy documents to read and interpret. And what if you wish to act contrary to an existing land-use plan? Here too, we can supply you with expert advice on how to proceed.

Are you considering applying for or objecting to a permit?

If so, you’ll be pleased to hear that we have plenty of expertise in this field. Our professionals are ready to help you get through this extremely complex – and often perplexing – process, from the initial application to lodging an objection and appeal.