Single environmental permit provides entrepreneurs with quicker and better results

The Flemish Government has approved the Environmental Permit Decree. By integrating the environmental and urban planning permits within a single Environmental Permit, the Flemish Government has responded to a long-term complaint of the business world. 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 followed by a single public inquiry and a single round of consultations, after which the Government will take its decision. In principle, the permit granted shall be valid indefinitely. The permanent nature of the Environmental Permit offers greater operational reliability, prevents contradictory decisions, saves costs and stimulates investment.