The regulations for building permits will be reviewed to create rules which are less vulnerable to unjustified appeals, Flemish Minister for Environment Jo Brouns (CD&V) announced during a Radio 1 interview on Thursday.
The announcement was made in response to a VRT Pano broadcast on Wednesday about construction projects facing years of delays due to endless appeals.
While Brouns emphasised that permit regulations are necessary to protect citizens and the environment, unjustified appeals pose an issue to project developments, particularly as demand for housing in Flanders increases.
The issue was highlighted in a statement by the construction federation Embuild on Thursday. By 2035, an additional 240,000 homes are needed, along with renovations and reconstruction projects. However, only half of larger residential projects receive initial approval. One in five granted permits faces an appeal process. If an appeal reaches the Council for Permit Disputes, half of these permits are annulled.
Construction site. Credit: Belga/Kurt Desplenter
These issues can lead to significant delays, rising costs, or the complete cessation of projects. "This affects not just housing but also schools, hospitals, nurseries, shops, and essential infrastructure works," said Director-General of Embuild Flanders, Caroline Deiteren.
Embuild Flanders, together with other construction and real estate organisations, are calling for a drastic simplification of regulations. Additionally, they call for adjustments to appeal procedures. They believe only those personally and directly affected should be able to appeal projects.
Furthermore, they call for more balance between private and public interests and insist that those who unjustly misuse procedures should bear the costs of the damage caused. "This is not an argument against participation or legal protection, but for a system that prevents abuse and enables societal progress," Embuild concluded.
The process for obtaining permits, from the application stage to appeals, will be examined by a team of experts assembled by the environment minister. Recommendations are expected by September.
