Single environment permit definitively approved

After previous governments tried in vain to implement the initiative, the single environment permit is finally a reality. The decree on the subject, co-written by N-VA Minister Philippe Muyters, was definitively approved today by the Flemish Government.

Companies wanting to execute a project for which they are obliged to have a permit will from now on only need to submit a single permit application. This will be accompanied by a single public inquiry and a single round of consultations, after which the Government will take its decision. The permit granted shall be valid indefinitely.

The new permit application procedure incorporates the environment permit and the town planning permit. The number of procedures is limited to two: the standard procedure, with a public enquiry, and the simplified procedure for straightforward applications. The system will be up and running at the beginning of 2015.