Environment Act

The Environment Act, which took effect on January 1, 2024, combines 26 existing laws in the areas of spatial planning, the environment, nature, and water management into one integrated law. This new law is intended to make planning, realizing and managing projects in the physical environment simpler and more efficient. A project can be, for example, the building or renovation of a home, the expansion of a business, the holding of an event, or the felling of a tree. Do you want to start a project? Then you can check with the link icon whether you need a permit or a notification.

What is the Environment Act?

The Environment Act provides a clear legal framework for all rules dealing with the physical environment. This means less fragmented regulations and simpler procedures for applying for permits. The law emphasizes:

• Simplification of procedures: faster and more transparent decision-making.
• Sustainability and cooperation: promoting sustainable developments and better cooperation between residents, businesses and governments.

Who is the Environment Act for?

The Environment Act is relevant to everyone who will have to deal with changes in the physical environment:

• Residents: for example, when building a dormer, garage or modifying the garden.
• Entrepreneurs: for large construction projects, such as new construction, redevelopment or infrastructure construction.
• Governments: municipalities, provinces and water boards that manage and safeguard the environment.

Benefits of the Environment Act

The Environment Act offers many benefits to residents, businesses and governments:

• Simpler permit process: through the Environment Counter, you can easily apply for permits, see which rules apply and track the progress of your application.
• Participation and involvement: the law encourages consultation with the environment so that everyone is involved in plans that affect the living environment.
• Quality assurance: the Building Quality Assurance Act (Wkb) guarantees the quality of construction projects through independent inspections.

Contact and more information

For more information on the Environment Act, specific procedures and the Environment Vision, contact team Licenses and Supervision at gemeente@gemert-bakel.nl or 0492-37 85 00.