Urban planning law encompasses all laws and regulations governing land use, in accordance with the spatial planning objectives of public authorities (municipalities and regions).
The lawyers of CAUSA can answer your questions and assist you in resolving issues in this increasingly complex field, including:
assisting you with applications for planning permission, subdivision permits or operating permits;
advising and assisting you throughout the application process (consultation committees, dealings with the Delegated Official, etc.);
lodging an internal appeal with the Regional Government in the event that a permit is refused;
lodging judicial proceedings before the Council of State;
intervening in ongoing proceedings to safeguard your interests (if a neighbour challenges a permit, they must bring their appeal against the municipality that granted it; as the permit holder, it may therefore be useful for you to intervene in the proceedings);
seeking to establish the liability of a neighbour or any other person who submits a planning application that may cause you harm;
negotiating with the authorities to resolve a difficult planning situation before becoming involved in administrative or judicial proceedings;
defending you in criminal proceedings for breaches of planning regulations (such as the operation of a property as a slumlord, confiscation of real estate by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, etc.);
and more.
Environmental law encompasses all laws and regulations aimed at protecting, managing and restoring the environment in all its forms: terrestrial, aquatic and marine, natural and cultural, and even non-terrestrial.
It is a technical and complex field of law (often requiring the involvement of a specialist expert), operating at both local and global levels (national, European and international), and one that is continually expanding.
It covers a wide range of areas, including but not limited to:
areas relating to the components of the environment: air law, water and maritime law, soil law, biodiversity and biotope law;
areas relating to human activities: hunting, fishing and energy law;
areas relating to harmful or polluting activities: noise pollution, classified establishments, industrial or natural hazards;
areas relating to specific subjects: chemical products, waste, and historical sites and monuments.
The lawyers of CAUSA can advise you and take action on all matters relating to environmental protection, in a wide range of situations, including:
obtaining an environmental permit, which may, depending on the scale of the project, require a prior impact assessment, waste recovery assessment, report on innovative processes, etc.;
resolving disputes with neighbouring residents following nuisances caused by an industrial or other establishment, and thereby helping businesses comply with environmental regulations;
providing legal support to a group of neighbours opposing the establishment of a classified facility;
bringing an environmental cessation action;
assisting with soil remediation procedures;
intervening with the Brussels Institute for Environmental Management;
