Legal procedure for disputes concerning permits amended

The most important changes are summarised below:

1. Payment of court fees at the time of filing an appeal

Currently, an appeal is only processed after payment of the court fees has been received. This takes an average of 14 days after an appeal is lodged, as only then does the court send a letter requesting for payment of the court fees.

The new decree stipulates that court fees are to be paid at the time of filing an appeal.

2. The permit holder and other intervening parties

2.1 The permit holder automatically becomes a party to the proceedings

Until now, permit holders have always had to file a formal application to intervene in a procedure in which their permit is disputed.

The decree simplifies this, as the permit holder automatically becomes a party to the proceedings and can therefore always assert his defence.

2.2 Other parties may intervene directly

Other parties can also benefit from a simplification, since they will now be able to intervene directly, without having to make a formal request in advance.

Intervening parties will also not be obliged to pay court fees, which removes an additional obstacle.

3. The interest of the claimant in appeal is interpreted more strictly

As a result of this amendment, an argument can only lead to the cancellation of a permit if:

• The violation invoked is aimed at protecting the interest of the applicant. Therefore, the applicant will not be allowed to use any kind of argument.
• The illegality was raised during the public enquiry or administrative appeal. The parties are therefore obliged to come forward and present their arguments much earlier in the process to obtain a permit. The support of a specialist much earlier in the process is therefore required.
• The party is aggrieved by the alleged violation.

4. The possibility of mediation is simplified

With the new decree, an interim judgment will no longer be necessary before starting a mediation procedure.

5. A litigation fee when a request for suspension is rejected

Currently, no litigation fee is due when a request for suspension is rejected. This will be the case in the future.

In this way, the Flemish Government wishes to further discourage the initiation of suspension proceedings.

6. The Council's power of substitution is extended

From now on, the Council for Permit Disputes can also substitute itself for the public authority if the authority granting the permit has had several opportunities to properly motivate its its decision, but has failed to do so.

Until this amendment, this was only possible if it related to the specific binding competence of the authorities. This is therefore a very important amendment.

8. Entry into force

These amendments will not enter into force until an implementing decree is published. We will keep you informed.