Encompassing urban planning and environmental law, environmental law plays a crucial role in how we shape and protect our environment. Whether you are an individual, a business, or a government, projects that affect the environment, such as construction projects, land use planning, or environmental permits, involve complex laws and regulations.
Our law firm based in Ghent has years of experience in environmental law and offers both individuals and businesses the legal guidance they need in East Flanders and West Flanders. We help you navigate the rules, permit procedures and potential legal obstacles so that your projects can proceed according to the law.
What is environmental law?
Environmental law is an umbrella term for all laws and regulations relating to spatial planning, urban planning and the environment in Flanders. This area of law regulates how land and natural resources are used, protected and developed. It is a dynamic area of law that is constantly evolving to protect our living environment and make it more sustainable.
Important aspects of environmental law are:
- Urban planning permits: These are required for the construction, reconstruction or demolition of buildings and infrastructure. A planning permit determines whether a project complies with zoning and land use regulations.
- Environmental Permits: Projects that may have an impact on the environment, such as industrial activities or large-scale construction projects, often require an environmental permit. This permit ensures that activities comply with environmental laws and that any negative effects on the environment are limited.
- Environmental Permit: In Flanders, the urban development permit and the environmental permit have been merged for several years into the environmental permit. This comprehensive permit simplifies the procedure and ensures that all aspects of a project - both urban planning and environmental - are assessed in one process.
When do you need legal advice in environmental law?
Environmental law can be highly technical and complex, and failure to follow the proper rules can have serious consequences, such as project shutdowns, fines or having to reverse construction activities. There are several situations in which hiring an experienced attorney is essential:
- Application for a permit: Filing an application for a zoning, building or environmental permit requires accuracy and knowledge of the regulations. Our law firm can help you prepare and file your permit applications, and ensure that they comply with legal requirements.
- Objections to permits: If you disagree with the issuance of a permit to a neighboring project that adversely affects your property or habitat, we can advise and assist you in filing an objection.
- Environmental compliance: Companies operating in sectors with environmental impacts must comply with strict regulations. We help companies ensure that their operations comply with environmental and nature laws to avoid fines and lawsuits.
- Enforcement and litigation: If you are facing government enforcement action, such as if your construction project is shut down or if you are facing a penalty payment for an alleged violation, we can assist you in your defense.
Our expertise in environmental law
Flemish environmental law is a specialized field in which expertise and a thorough understanding of the law are crucial to navigate successfully. Our law firm offers expert advice and guidance in East Flanders and West Flanders through every step of your project, from initial planning to legal proceedings.
We can help you with:
- Permit applications and procedures: We assist you in the preparation of planning and environmental permits and ensure that your project complies with all relevant regulations.
- Advice on spatial planning: We offer strategic advice on land use and zoning plans to ensure that your project fits within the framework of zoning regulations.
- Environmental Impact Statement: Large-scale projects often require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). We help you review and prepare these reports and navigate the associated procedures.
- Legal representation: In the event of a dispute or legal proceedings related to environmental permits, urban planning violations or environmental incidents, we provide powerful legal representation for both individuals and businesses.
How our law firm can help you
Whether you are planning a construction project, running a business with environmental obligations, or dealing with a government decision that affects your property, our law firm in Ghent offers tailored legal advice. We help you keep your projects in East Flanders and West Flanders on track and protect you from legal risks and delays. With our in-depth knowledge of environmental law, we ensure that your best interests are represented.
Contact us today
Do you need legal assistance with an environmental permit, urban planning dispute or environmental issue? We are ready to advise and guide you. Contact our Ghent office today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you make your projects legally watertight and defend your rights.
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