Area of law

Spatial Planning and Environment

Spatial planning

In the Netherlands space is scarce. For the use of every square meter there are ten ideas or even claims. Spatial planning determines how the land will be used, what will be built and where infrastructure will be placed.

To govern our country there are a multitude of regulations, interests, and general principles that have to be taken into account. New spatial plans and rules can have big consequences physically and financially. Plans are constantly under close consideration. Together with a continuous stream of case law this can lead to surprising new intepretations of statutory provisions. Even though spatial planning is meant to be used by everyone, gradually only specialized professionals are capable to navigate this area due to the permanent development.

Our lawyers specialise in both private law and public law, including zoning and planning law, energy law, governmental liability, environmental (criminal) law, expropriation, (public) procurement, real estate and construction, infrastructure projects, tax law and Supreme Court litigation. They have a deep understanding of how government operates and of the relevant interests of the governmental bodies involved. This enables our lawyers to provide our clients with guidance and assistance through (politically) sensitive issues and projects, towards creative and innovative solutions.

They handle questions regarding permits and environmental (and zoning) issues, zoning plans, construction and development of retail and apartments, nature compensation for public projects and nuisance resulting from planning. In the field of environment our practice includes energy, soil protection, EHS (Environmental, Health and Safety) due diligence, hazardous substances (e.g. REACH) and waste, coal and steel industry, mining and shale gas. Our environmental team also advises and litigates on all sorts of environmental (enforcement and permitting) matters both for environmental agencies and (multinational companies). Our planning team advises and litigates both for real estate developers and local governments.

Recent work

Representing the Province of South Holland and DCMR regarding various ex officio amendments of the permit of Chemours, the revision of this permit and several enforcement matters based on this permit.

Representing a global pharmaceutical company regarding the development of a new site in The Netherlands.

Advising and litigating for various real estate developers regarding the development of several large residential and commercial projects in the Netherlands.

Advising and litigating for municipalities in the greater Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Utrecht metropolitan area concerning relevant zoning plans and expropriation needed for the redevelopment of the greenhouse districts and for the development of a residential area of 3,400 homes.

What others say about us

Chambers Europe 2023: Public Law: Band 3, Planning & Environment: Band 2: Strengths: Reflecting on the firm's increasing market presence. One client says: "pragmatic and hands-on legal support", another source admires its "commercial understanding of a transaction."
Legal 500 2023 Environment and Planning (Tier 1): Testimonials: "‘The team is very well attuned to each other’. ‘The people at van der Feltz are very accessible, of course they are very able, but also there advice is very usable’. ‘They understand what needs to be looked in to’ (...).
Legal 500 2023 Energy: Regulatory (Tier 2): ‘Excellent knowledge of energy law, they give good advice.’ ‘Personal relationship, very customer-oriented, not only advice on demand, but also providing new information.’
Legal 500 2023 Construction (Tier 3): 'Approachable law firm with high expertise in contracting.’ ‘Dedicated to getting the job done within the boundaries of the assignment.’
Legal 500 2023 Real Estate (Tier 5): ‘A good sparring partner, they think strategically and in terms of solutions.’ ‘Willem Bosma knows our business and understands our point of view.’ ‘Willem Bosma is always available and offers clever solutions.'
Willem Bosma is Ranked lawyer in Chambers 2023; Public Law: Planning and Environment (Band 3): One client states: "He is a very knowledgeable and business-savvy counsel and an expert in the field of environmental law. He is capable of providing thorough but practical legal advice in complex matters, while always keeping a close eye on our business interests."