L'URBANISME STEDENBOUW TOWN PLANNING - Ruimtelijke ...

fo r e w o r d
fo r e w o r d
Every city has and fulfills several functions that are specifically related to its
status as a city. This variety of functions is carried out on different levels,
technically with the organization of space and traffic, socially with the
development of living areas, as well as esthetically. Town planning policy
includes all the plans and actions that make the organization of these
functions possible. Moreover, this policy guarantees the coherence and an
appropriate supervision of these functions. Hence, it influences the daily life
of all citizens and users of Brussels.
The development and the realization of these actions and plans are
accomplished on the basis of procedures where different actors play their
part. The Regional Development Plans, the Regional Land Use Plans, the
Special Land Use Plans, the Brussels Town Planning Code, the Regional
Planning Regulation... are no new elements. These acronyms refer to tools
that have been worked out in the Brussels Region for the maintenance of
urban life quality and the good urban functioning.
As a citizen and/ or professional in real estate you have the right to understand
how your daily life is managed on a town planning level and which part you
can play in it. Will there soon be realized a new project that will rearrange
your area? To make sure that you are heard, consultation committees are
set up. Which authority should you approach to lodge an appeal when your
town planning permit has been refused? It is not easy to know where, when,
how and what to do.
The existing procedures are not always easily accessible and the administrative
steps to take are not always well known. This brochure is intended to
clarify, to create transparency and to ensure a good understanding of
these matters. Because everyone can take their part, every mechanism that
has been set up is necessary and each decision level is important..., this
document will guide you through the functioning, the tools, the regulations
and the administrations in the field of town planning in the Brussels-Capital
Region.
Enjoy your reading !
60
Emir Kir
Secretary of State for Town Planning
in the Brussels-Capital Region
In t r o d u c t Io n
In t r o d u c t Io n
What is the role of regional planning in the day-to-day building of the city?
The regional planning service is one of the operational divisions of the
Department of Spatial Planning and Housing (AATL) in the Brussels-Capital
Region.
Following on from the town planning guide on permits in the Brussels
region, the AATL is now publishing a guide which aims to explain the role
and missions of the Town Planning Service and its day-to-day work, which
are often not widely appreciated by the general public.
Almost 50 officials with a variety of expertise work every day to promote the
planning future of Brussels, its image, its liveability, and its equilibrium in
order to meet the needs and expectations of its residents and other urban
players.
The Town Planning Service works with efficiency and perseverance to
improve the quality of life and harmony in the the city. It makes itself as
available as possible to support large scale projects from their inception,
through dialogue and listening, and its advisory role is transparent. Ethical
values and fairness are of great importance to the town Planning Service.
The concept of public service is central in all its actions.
Its great expertise enables it to conduct an objective analysis of applications,
so that the Region continues to guarantee the urban balance, sometimes,
admittedly, at the price of a necessary firmness.
The Town Planning Service’s officials responsible are obliged to deliver solid
and legally reliably opinions and permits, consistent with the general policy
of the Government.
I invite you to learn more about its activites in this trilingual guide addressed
to professionals and the general public alike, which also aims to illustrate
the cases which it handles with concrete examples.
61
Albert Goffart
Director, Town Planning Service
Official responsible