Environment & Planning Act
The introduction of the Environment and Planning Act (EPA; Omgevingswet) on 1 January 2024 has drastically changed the legal landscape for environment and planning in the Netherlands. This substantial legislation package combines around 150 laws and regulations on topics such as construction, the environment, spatial planning, nature and water into one comprehensive framework. It entails major changes for matters like the development and redevelopment of real estate, the operation of industrial activities and the realisation of infrastructural projects.
Key guidance on all aspects of the Environment and Planning Act
With our experienced and prestigious Environment & Planning Team, we are fully equipped to assist you in the transition brought about by the EPA and subsequent stages. In doing so, we adopt a pragmatic approach aimed at delivering solutions. Our specialists are experienced in advising companies in the Netherlands and internationally, property developers and public authorities, with expertise covering the full scope of the physical living environment. We provide legal solutions specifically tailored to each individual target group. Whether dealing with area development, water, industry or environmental issues, our team has a firm grasp of every aspect of the EPA.
Highlights of the Environment and Planning Act
We have prepared an English factsheet, in which we discuss the main changes brought about by the Environment and Planning Act: Highlights of the Environment and Planning Act. Below you will also find an overview of specific topics on which we have written more detailed factsheets. These factsheets are available in Dutch. If you would like an English translation, please contact omgevingswet@houthoff.com.Meet the Environment & Planning Team
Our team of specialist lawyers, boasting extensive knowledge of the Environment and Planning Act, are well aware that each client has its own unique requirements and challenges. That is why we provide legal solutions specifically tailored to every client's individual situation. Our Environmental & Planning Team's leading position in the market is confirmed by its top rankings in legal guides such as Chambers Europe and the Legal 500. We can advise and assist you in navigating the new law and its potential implications for your activities, projects and procedures.
Examples of our expertise in environmental and planning law
In the field of environmental law, our Environment & Planning Team also advises on complex and media-sensitive environmental issues that usually involve a great number of stakeholders. Our specialists are known for their litigation expertise and experience. They assist large companies and government bodies in permit and enforcement procedures.
Our experts in spatial planning give advice and litigate in matters such as area development (including zoning plans, land exploitation and expropriation) and public-private partnerships. In addition, Houthoff is one of the few law firms in the Netherlands with a prestigious cassation practice, and is involved in the most ground-breaking cases before the Dutch Supreme Court.
Our Environment & Planning Team works closely with our specialists in areas such as M&A, real estate, energy, criminal law, procedural law and procurement law. Together with a sector-specific focus (including real estate, energy, healthcare, the public sector and the financial sector) this multidisciplinary approach leads to well-considered advice and pragmatic solutions. Solutions that are effective today as well as tomorrow. In cross-border issues we work together with the best lawyers from all over the world through Lex Mundi, the most prestigious law firm network, and we always push boundaries for our clients.Publications
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26-November-2023
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19-September-2023
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13-September-2023
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11-September-2023
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04-April-2023
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15-February-2023
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20-December-2022
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01-September-2022
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22-April-2022
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17-February-2022
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15-September-2021
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28-July-2021
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21-June-2021
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12-March-2021
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17-February-2021
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20-December-2020
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18-December-2020
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18-February-2020
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29-January-2020
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26-February-2019
