Environmental and planning law is an umbrella term for the laws, regulations or standards that primarily deal with spatial planning and the environment. It concerns not only the sustainable development of space but also the protection of the atmosphere, soil, water, fauna/flora, humans, ecosystems, landscapes and climate.
Classic examples include large infrastructure projects, urban development projects or industrial park developments, but every construction project requiring a permit will encounter environmental and planning laws at some point.
As a law firm, we provide our clients with the necessary advice and assistance in navigating these legal aspects of their real estate projects. We support individuals, entrepreneurs, project owners and end users with various environmental and planning law issues.
We can assist with assembling or coordinating the construction team and – as subject matter experts – help draft robust permit applications. This requires a good understanding of the project, the client or licensing authority's wishes, and the architect's design, as well as a thorough analysis of the project area. Most projects also involve an environmental component, necessitating consultation with an environmental expert or coordinator. Furthermore, an environmental assessment agency can assist in preparing an environmental impact assessment.
This is particularly important for projects near VEN or Habitat areas. If your project generates certain traffic conditions, a mobility expert will also be necessary to prepare a mobility assessment. We consult with these partners to reach tailored solutions to the environmental and planning law challenges associated with the development or execution of the project.
In addition to pure legal services, we can fulfil a coordinating and mediating role between the parties involved, aimed at uniting the various interests of the stakeholders into a widely supported project.
Stakeholders, both within and outside the construction industry, deserve legal assistance. For example, the impact on the affected public (i.e., participation) must be considered, and preliminary discussions with the licensing authority are advisable. If the interests or needs of these parties are not sufficiently addressed, we can also assist these individuals or associations in the framework of several procedures.
We offer assistance and advice in such areas as:
Contact Caluwaerts Uytterhoeven for expert guidance on your environmental and planning law issues. Our team is ready to assist you in every aspect of zoning and environmental protection with attention to the smooth conclusion of legal matters in your projects.
In addition to environmental law, Caluwaerts Uytterhoeven offers support in numerous other professional areas. For example, our team assists clients in real estate & project development, construction law, insurance and ESG.
Caluwaerts Uytterhoeven has offices in Antwerp and Turnhout, where we provide our clients with personal and professional legal counsel.
Get in touch or make an appointment with one of our staff members.
If you would like more information, a personal conversation is the most appropriate way to do so. You can always make an appointment by phone or e-mail, or contact us directly.
