Are you a (project) developer, public authority or property investor involved in spatial planning projects? If so, you will be dealing with, among other things, environmental planning procedures, environmental permits, environmental issues and enforcement matters. In doing so, you will often encounter complex regulations. The attorneys in our Environmental Law department keep a close eye on these regulations. They also know exactly which approaches to take to help you achieve your objectives. This enables them to provide you with excellent support in all matters where the physical living environment plays a role.

Legal assistance with area development: planning permissions and environmental plans
Changing legislation, nature, nitrogen and procedural developments: anyone currently involved in area development or regeneration cannot ignore these issues. Up-to-date knowledge of these matters is essential when obtaining planning permissions, authorisations and exemptions. The environmental law attorneys at Wijn & Stael combine this knowledge with their broad legal experience. As a result, you can count on sound and practical advice that will actually help you move forward. In addition, they are happy to assist you in assessing environmental plans and conducting proceedings to amend, annul or, conversely, uphold an environmental plan.

Environmental law obstacles
The Netherlands has been grappling for years with a nitrogen crisis that structurally hinders area development. Projects are regularly halted as a result of court rulings finding that a particular course of action contravenes European nature conservation law. This is a legal obstacle that strikes at the very heart of area development. Anyone wishing to develop housing, business parks or infrastructure in or near nitrogen-sensitive areas will inevitably face permit requirements, assessment obligations and mitigation measures.

In the coming years, the water quality objectives set out in the Water Framework Directive (WFD) – which the Netherlands must comply with by 22 December 2027 at the latest – will also come into play. As water quality in the Netherlands still does not meet the WFD standards, pressure is mounting on the country to take action. These measures could have far-reaching consequences for businesses. To manage the risks arising from the WFD, we advise businesses to assess the implications of the WFD for their operations and to respond to them proactively.

The environmental law attorneys at Wijn & Stael would be pleased to work with you to develop a suitable strategy for your project and advise you on the feasibility of your plans in light of the applicable regulations and the most recent case law in the field of environmental law.

Specialists in the Environment Act and the Construction Quality Assurance Act
Wijn & Stael has in-house specialists who have a detailed understanding of the provisions of the new Environment Act and the Construction Quality Assurance Act, and what these laws mean for your plans. They constantly keep their knowledge up to date and share it on our website, in seminars and in publications. They are also happy to discuss these matters with you. Because once they understand your specific situation, they can work with you to devise the right strategy and guide you efficiently through every step.

Clear advice on complex matters
The attorneys in our Environmental Law department are passionate about their work and enjoy tackling complex cases. They are practical and to the point, and know how to explain difficult subject matter clearly. You can turn to them for, among other things:

• legal guidance on area development and regeneration projects;
• procedures and advice on the Environment Act and the Construction Quality Assurance Act;
• advice, risk assessment and legal assistance with environmental law obstacles such as nitrogen and the Water Framework Directive;
• procedures and advice on (existing) local planning regulations;
• obtaining or challenging planning permission;
• legal guidance on enforcement matters;
• assessing and negotiating prior agreements.

Interested?
Meet our Environmental Law attorneys below and get in touch for a no-obligation introductory consultation.