Environment and planning in Netherlands
AKD
AKD acts for governmental bodies and private companies in equal measure. As a core practice area of the firm, most team members have a scientific background, including Gerrit van der Veen, who is s professor at a Dutch university. Jos van der Velden, who is on the editorial staff of the Dutch Journal for Environment and Law and also teaches regularly, has over 30 years’ experience in planning and environmental issues. Henk Breeman has experience in the energy, water, media and telecommunications, transport and public transport sectors. Hugo Doornhoff is also recommended. Thomas Sanders was promoted to partner.
Practice head(s):
Jos van der Velden; Gerrit van der Veen; Hugo Doornhof
Other key lawyers:
Henk Breeman; Eveline Sillevis Smitt; Hugo Doornhoff; Marjolein Dieperink; Thomas Sanders
Testimonials
‘Knowledge of the discipline is excellent’.
‘Delivery of the product is quick and thorough’.
‘Outstanding knowledge, critical in a positive way’.
‘Knowledge of the political environment, active working together to achieve the goal’.
‘ What makes the practice unique is the fact that we always receive tailor-made expert advice on time on our urgent requests’.
‘AKD is a firm that provides all the needed expertise; if necessary, the same day on which we ask for advice’.
‘AKD also has knowledge of the local politics and is familiar with the policy of the local government’.
‘Jos van der Velden is easy to work with and always has the intent of delivering the solution to the problem’.
Key clients
ProRail – the Dutch railway infrastructure manager
Provinces: Friesland, Limburg, Zuid-Holland, Flevoland, Zeeland, Noord-Brabant, Utrecht, Overijssel, Gelderland
Municipalities: Kampen, Alphen aan de Rijn, Uden, Roosendaal, Oosterhout, Lelystad, Almere, Midden-Delfland, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Tilburg, Breda, Delft, Venlo, Meierijstad etc.
Waterboards: Brabantse Delta, De Dommel, Rijnland, Rijn en IJssel, Hunze en Aa’s, Limburg, etc.
Uniper Benelux N.V. (formerly E.ON) – one of the largest energy companies in the world
Heros Sluiskil
Urenco Netherlands B.V. – the only uranium enrichment company in the Netherlands
Aldi Supermarkets
Havenbedrijf Rotterdam
AMVEST
Blauwhoed (project developer)
Verbrugge Terminals, ZHD Stevedores
KFC
Wacker Chemie AG
WDP – Warehouses De Pauw
Hunter Douglas Europe
Dutch Parliament
Access World
Dutch State (ministry of the interior)
Work highlights
- Advising Dutch Parlement (de Tweede Kamer der Staten Generaal) on the scaling down of the extraction of natural gas in the province of Groningen.
- In collaboration with the University of Groningen, advised the Ministry of Interior Affairs on a potential obligation to build in relation to the new Environment and Planning Act .
- Assisting Amvest on a major housing project in the city of Almere and reviewing all projects.
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek
De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek specialises in complex, high-end international energy and environment work, which includes climate change and energy transition issues. The firm is able to field a multidisciplinary team, which draws on expertise in public law, infrastructure, energy and environment. It acts for both State-owned entities (SOEs) and leading corporates on high-profile transactions, disputes and regulatory enforcement matters. Practice head Nicolien Van Den Biggelaar handles Dutch and European environmental law, and is an experienced litigator. Counsel Arjan Kleinhout handles energy law, market regulation, state aid and public enforcement matters.
Practice head(s):
Nicolien van den Biggelaar
Other key lawyers:
Arjan Kleinhout; Claire van der Hoeven
Testimonials
‘Their expertise in Dutch environmental and spatial planning is market leading’.
‘The team is clearly leading in the environmental and planning field’.
‘Nicolien van den Biggelaar and Arjan Kleinhout stand out in their expertise in the field of environmental law and in their dedication and empathy to the client’.
‘De Brauw has all the capabilities we require and is able to advise on complex matters in very short time. ’
‘Nicolien van den Biggelaar and Arjan Kleinhout are extremely knowledgeable, fast and good team players’.
‘Large experience, good analytical skills and ability to quickly get to the core of matters’.
‘Nicolien van den Biggelaar is very experienced, knowledgeable and is able to quickly get to the core of matters’.
‘We are happy to have them on our side in the most complex environmental matters’.
Key clients
TenneT
Port of Rotterdam, Gasunie and EBN (Porthos Project)
Royal Schiphol Group
Royal Dutch Shell
Gasunie
Port of Rotterdam
Chemelot/Sitech
Ørsted Wind Power A/S
NEA/GKN
House of Representatives
Bureau Clara Wichmann
Work highlights
- Advising the consortium of Port of Rotterdam, Gasunie N.V. and EBN as lead counsel on the Porthos CCUS project.
- Advising Royal Schiphol Group on the impact of a landmark ruling of the Council of State about Dutch nitrogen policy under the Nature Conservation Act.
- Advising TenneT on energy developments in Europe, which involves regulatory, planning and environmental matters and financing issues, and extensive litigation.
Houthoff
The public law team at Houthoff acts for longstanding industrial and corporate clients, project developers and governmental bodies on specialised planning and zoning matters, as well as environmental issues. It is deeply experienced in negotiating with the government at both a local and national level. Head of practice Jan Frans de Groot is well-regarded for his vast experience in Dutch Supreme Court cases. Experienced litigator Marloes Brans heads the climate change practice and works closely with the M&A department on cross-border transactions.
Practice head(s):
Jan Frans de Groot
Other key lawyers:
Marloes Brans
Key clients
PPG (AmericanFortune 500 company)
Amazon Web Services
Diageo
Royal VolkerWessels
Snippe Project B.V.
Huntsman
Unibail-Rodamco
Tata Steel
Siemens
Vestia (semi-public social housing corporation)
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy
Hapimag AG
Work highlights
- Advising a consortium of four large property development companies bringing legal proceedings against the Dutch State, the Province of Flevoland, the municipality of Zeewolde, Waterboard Zuiderzeeland and Windpark Zeewolde B.V. in order to obtain a judicial prohibition against the building of the wind farm.
- Provided advice to Gemeente Bergen on several issues concerning the zoning plan for the redevelopment of the town centre of the Municipality of Bergen.
- Advising Attero and AVR, two of the largest waste incinerators in the Netherlands, in relation to the Dutch government’s removal of the ban on the import tax on foreign waste.
Norton Rose Fulbright
The projects and public law team at Norton Rose Fulbright advises on the most pressing and complex developments of environmental regulation, nature protection law, and soil protection regulations. With strong experience in infrastructure, the practice advises construction companies and financiers on the development of motorways and tunnel projects. Renewable energy is another key area of strength for the team, where it provides permitting and subsidy advice on onshore and offshore wind farms. With a combined administrative law and civil law background, Daphne Broerse heads the team alongside newly promoted counsel Bart Vis.
Practice head(s):
Daphne Broerse; Bart Vis
Key clients
Macquarie Group
ING Bank
TBI PPP
Dura Vermeer
RWE
Rabobank
Bombardier
Emerald Kalama Chemicals
Deliveroo
DNV GL
Windpark Zeewolde
Deme Group
Ørsted
Work highlights
- Continuing to advise RWE Eemshaven Holding II B.V. on all permits and licences required for the installation of a 1600 MW coal fired power plant in the Eemshaven, Groningen.
- Advising De Groene Boog on all construction and financing matters related to the development of the new A16 road and tunnel.
- Advising the winning Consortium Comol5 on the RijnlandRoute project.
Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV
Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV is well-known for its representation of the Dutch state, municipalities, and provincial authorities, but it also regularly advises and litigates on behalf of private sector clients. The team is specialised in key sub-fields of public law, including planning and environmental law, water law, energy and climate law. Head of practice Liesbeth Schippers, who is ‘full of energy’ and ‘fights until the bitter end’, is experienced in large-scale projects, such as airports, motorways and urban development projects. Daniëlle Roelands-Fransen is also recommended. Roelof Reinders was promoted to partner.
Practice head(s):
Liesbeth Schippers
Other key lawyers:
Daniëlle Roelands-Fransen; Roelof Reinders; Hans Besselink; Jelmer Procee
Testimonials
‘The Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn team displays strong ownership of their client’s problem and makes good use of every opportunity to solve it’.
‘Very strong in combining legal practice with technical content’.
‘Liesbeth Schippers never gives up, is full of energy and fights until the bitter end’.
‘Roelof Reinders is a strong lawyer, with wide knowledge of jurisprudence and is solid in court’.
‘Thorough knowledge of the law and a very good understanding of how it works within the government and the various ministries’.
‘Liesbeth Schippers is an excellent lawyer, she knows where there are weaknesses in the case’.
‘Daniëlle Roelands-Fransen is a very good lawyer with a broad spatial planning practice’.
‘The team has a lot of experience in cases where the government is involved’.
Key clients
Dutch central government departments (Infrastructure and Environment, Defence, Economic Affairs, Interior and Kingdom Relations, Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality)
Independent public law bodies and agencies, such as the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and the Dutch Land Registry
Provincial authorities of Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland, Utrecht, Gelderland, Groningen, Noord-Brabant and Limburg
Municipality of The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Amsterdam, Maastricht, Leiden, Leiderdorp, Oegstgeest, Haarlem, Eindhoven, Delft, Tilburg, Westland, Weert, Moerdijk, Zoetermeer, Zoeterwoude, Ede, Papendrecht, Brummen, Zaanstad and Zuidplas
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Netherlands Enterprise Agency, and the Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides
DCMR (the environmental protection agency in the Rijnmond region)
District Water Authorities ‘Hollands Noorderkwartier’ and ‘Roer en Overmaas’
KPN
Synchroon BV
Jumbo Supermarkten BV
Work highlights
- Advised The Municipality of Zandvoort on issuing necessary permits relating to the Formula 1 Grand Prix Zandvoort.
- Advising Provincie Noord-Holland and the regional water authorities Hollands Noorderkwartier (HHNK), The Markermeer Dykes Alliance (HHNK, Boskalis, VolkerWessels, KWS Infra and Van Hattum and Blankevoort) on a dyke reinforcement project between Amsterdam and Hoorn.
- Advised the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy in the preliminary relief proceedings and acted on behalf of the State in proceedings brought by Stichting Stop5GNL.
Stibbe
Stibbe provides advice on major planning applications and infrastructure projects, and related litigation. It acts for large corporate entities and also maintains close contact with universities, the Dutch Parliament and its ministries. Jan Reinier van Angeren specialises in environment and planning and administrative law, and handles administrative and civil litigation. Anna Collignon focuses on environmental and enforcement law, and often acts for large energy and chemical sector companies. Jan van Oosten, who ‘thinks of solutions with an eye for the client’s needs’, was recently promoted to partner. Tom Barkhuysen is another name to note.
Practice head(s):
Jan Reinier van Angeren; Anna Collignon; Jan van Oosten; Tom Barkhuysen
Other key lawyers:
Valérie van ‘t Lam
Testimonials
‘Very well-versed in environmental and administrative law’.
‘Their broad knowledge among partners and associates regarding multiple subjects within these playing fields is excellent’.
‘The accessibility of Stibbe and their first-hand knowledge is outstanding’.
‘Stibbe has one of the best legal teams in Environment and Planning in the Netherlands’
‘The decisive combination of knowledge, experience and talent in an effective and efficient manner puts Stibbe in an exceptional class’.
‘Together with a flexible and pleasant cooperation, this results in a lasting relationship in which advice in the initial phases of projects is valuable’.
‘Flexible, easy to talk to and an eye for the facts.’
‘Jan van Oosten thinks in solutions, an expert with good people skills’.
Key clients
Afvalzorg
Ahold
Air Liquide
Albemarle
Circuit Park Zandvoort
DAF Trucks
DSM
DVM
Energy Production Company Zeeland
Ernst & Young Accountants LLP
Greif
KLM
McDonald’s
NAM
Neinver
Normec
PostNL
PALLAS
Praxis
RWE
Several cities and provinces (Municipality of Purmerend, Municipality of Leeuwarden, Municipality of Almere, Municipality of Amstelveen, Municipality of Leiden, Municipality of Venlo, BEL-combinatie (Municipalities of Blaricum, Eemnes and Laren), Municipality of Amsterdam, Province of Noord-Holland and Zeeland)
Schiphol Airport
Sibelco
Urenco
Work highlights
- Assisted Albemarle Corporation on its revised environmental permits.
- Advised Circuit Park Zandvoort, a large motor racing track in the Netherlands who will host the Formula 1, on the preparation and application of necessary permits.
- Advising PALLAS on all planning, zoning and environmental licensing aspects of the new nuclear reactor, including additional facilities such as the related nuclear health centre.
Van der Feltz Advocaten
Hague-based boutique Van der Feltz Advocaten advises and litigates on both private and public law matters in the construction, real estate, government and energy sectors. It is noted for its deep expertise in expropriation law, including both land expropriation and financial expropriation. Willem Bosma advises real estate developers and municipalities on planning and environmental, and real estate law. Jacques Sluysmans handles civil, administrative and economic criminal law. Willem van der Werf focuses on urban and spatial planning.
Practice head(s):
Willem Bosma; Jacques Sluysmans; Willem van der Werf
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’.
‘My absolute favourite is Jacques Sluymans because I have worked with him for 10 years and he has never let us down’.
‘Collaboration between us and the lawyers is very good’.
‘Van der Feltz is efficient, and provides short explanations with a clear answer’.
‘Employees are of a high level with a large network’.
Key clients
Tata Steel IJmuiden B.V.
Heijmans group
Vattenfall N.V.
Eastman Chemical Middelburg B.V.
ENGIE Services Nederland B.V.
Vermilion Energy Netherlands B.V.
AM B.V.
Municipalities of Delft, Zoetermeer, Rijswijk, Gorinchem, Soest, Pijnacker-Nootdorp, Midden-Delfland, Voorschoten and Wassenaar
Volker Wessels
Koninklijke BAM group
Kennemerland Beheer B.V.
Vabo Ontwikkeling B.V.
Natuurmonumenten (Dutch Society for Nature Conservation)
Industrieschap Plaspoelpolder (a governmental cooperation between the municipalities of Rijswijk and The Hague, in charge of acquiring, selling and the development of large tracts of land in between both municipalities)
Bedrijvenschap Harnaschpolder
Enviem Holding B.V. (BP, Gulf & Tinq petrol stations)
N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie
Province of South Holland (DCMR/OZHZ)
Neptune Energy Netherlands B.V.
VGM Bink 36
Work highlights
- Advising and representing the province of South Holland regarding the Chemours/DuPont plant in Dordrecht.
- Advising and litigating for Enviem Holding (BP) on the expropriation of one of the biggest petrol stations in the Netherlands.
- Representing Tata Steel regarding graphite emissions.
ENVIR Advocaten
Boutique environmental specialist ENVIR Advocaten focuses entirely on public law. As an advisor to the government, the firm is well-positioned to advise on issues such as how to deal with nitrogen deposits in protected areas. Conservation law, zoning and planning are also key areas of focus. Marieke Kaajan handles relevant permits for large industrial and sustainable energy projects. Fleur Onrust advises and litigates on spatial planning matters for businesses, developers and municipalities. Iris Kieft focuses on the regulatory and environmental aspects of development projects and transactions.
Other key lawyers:
Marieke Kaajan; Fleur Onrust; Iris Kieft
Testimonials
‘A strong team of environmental law experts’.
‘Niche firm, but can handle big cases on environmental law’.
‘Iris Kieft is a very bright lawyer, she’s down to earth and friendly, but at the same time very effective and focused on results’.
‘ENVIR Advocaten is one of the leading law firms in the Netherlands in the field of environmental law’.
‘Its staff consists of very experienced lawyers with a lot of expertise in environmental, planning and administrative law’.
‘Marieke Kaajan, is an outstanding lawyer and one of the best in the country in this area of law’.
‘Fleur Onrust was very fast in understanding the issue that needed solving and provided the project with a very useful solution’.
‘ENVIR Advocaten has very experienced lawyers, which includes some of the best in the field’.
Key clients
Province of Limburg
VNO-NCW
EEW Energy from Waste
Chidda Vastgoed B.V.
Buren Legal
Le Garage B.V.
Rutgers and Posch
Metaalhandel de Horne
A Dutch representative of agricultural companies in the Netherlands
Lautratex B.V.
Work highlights
- Advised the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) on the way forward after the annulment of the Dutch nitrogen action programme, in particular in relation to the legal possibilities of introducing a threshold value for the assessment of the admissibility of activities causing very limited nitrogen deposition.
- Advised a Dutch representative of agricultural companies on the legal validity of dairy cattle feed measures proposed by the minister of Agriculture as one of the measures put forward to address the Dutch nitrogen crisis.
- Represented Metaalhandel De Horne in relation to administrative enforcement proceedings in relation to dust clouds containing levels of heavy metals allegedly caused by Metaalhandel De Horne.
Lexence
Lexence handles a broad range of environmental and zoning law matters, including both contentious and non-contentious work. The team attracts mandates from listed and non-listed major investment funds, banks, project developers and housing corporations. Head of practice Michael Klijnstra focuses on public law and is experienced in zoning plans, building permits, compliance and enforcement matters.
Practice head(s):
Michael Klijnstra
Other key lawyers:
Pelin Oztürk
Testimonials
‘Personal and practical approach to the case’.
‘They prefer to go for solutions in stead of litigation’.
‘Thy provide quick solutions to problems’.
‘Michael Klijnstra knows everything’.
‘The many years of cooperation with Michael Klijnstra on environmental issues has resulted in detailed file knowledge in often complex subjects, which, in combination with the legal input, leads to successful cooperation’.
Key clients
CBRE global investors
Kroonenberg Groep
Cementbouw (part of CRH; Ireland)
Slokker Vastgoed
De Hoge Dennen
ESD-SiC
Era Contour
Midvast B.V.
Wibaut
Koopman International
BPD
VKC Holding
De Realisatie
Kavel Vastgoed
Elad Europe 2011
Frasers
Hoogvliet Vastgoed
Equilis Netherlands
Goodman Netherlands
Batavia B.V.
Ten Brinke Group
Work highlights
- Advised CBRE-GI with its long term redevelopment of the Amsterdamse Poort, a major shopping centre, residential area and offices in Amsterdam, including all the zoning and permit issues in this regard.
- Advised and litigated for ESD-SIC, worldwide an important producer of silicium carbide (SiC) , with its highly complex environmental (enforcement) issues with regard to emissions to the air, amongst which SiC fibre emissions and odour nuisance.
- Advised Amsterdam developer Midvast in the process of a new zoning plan for the transformation of the district Kade Westzijde (Zaandam) into an area with new hotels, shops and residences, including all related environmental issues.
NautaDutilh
NautaDutilh has bolstered its public law offering with the arrival of practice co-head Jochem Spaans. Spaans, an Allen & Overy LLP alumnus, brings expertise in project development, industry and climate change issues, and also litigates on permitting procedures, spatial planning, energy projects and nitrogen deposition matters. Jolize Lautenbach, who jointly heads the team, focuses on regulatory and environmental law, and also handles the administrative aspects of M&A, environmental compliance and product compliance. Anne-Marie Klijn left for NewGround Law B.V..
Practice head(s):
Jochem Spaans; Jolize Lautenbach
Other key lawyers:
Arjen Praat; Mirjam von Meijenfeldt
Testimonials
‘ Expert, client-oriented, and practical experience’.
‘Client-oriented, very good knowledge and hands-on experience’.
Key clients
Shurgard
Pathé
AM
Nouryon
Unilever
ABN AMRO
UBM
PGIM
Perial
SAREF
EdgeConneX
Vitol / VPR energy
Nikon Holdings Europe
Slibverwerking Noord-Brabant
Zeeland Refinery
Binckhorst Ontwikkeling (VORM)
Swartberg
De Kuyper
Energiebeheer Nederland EBN
Caldic / EVOS
OLAM
Neste Oil
ChemCom Industries
Chemelot Site Permitting
Tronox
Shell
Yellow Chips
ACT Fuels
Urgenda
Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe
DFDS
Steinweg/Handelsveem
Henkel
Gemeente Amsterdam
NRG
Work highlights
- Advised and assisted Nouryon in proceedings concerning the EU REACH Regulation.
- Advised and acted for developer Hembrug Zaandam on the redevelopment of the large, former defense site Hembrugterrein, located within the greater Amsterdam Metropolitan area.
- Advised and acted for Neste on a range of complex environmental/HSE mandates.
NewGround Law B.V.
After helping to found the firm in late 2019, Anne-Marie Klijn continues to take the practice at NewGround Law B.V.
from strength to strength. Klijn is noted as a leading public law expert and also handles administrative, spatial planning, environmental and government liability matters. Andre Gaastra recently joined with his team from Gaastra advocaten. Gaastra focuses on the real estate sector and is experienced in environmental and permitting matters.
Practice head(s):
Anne-Marie Klijn; Andre Gaastra
Other key lawyers:
Pieter van der Woerd
Testimonials
‘Their specific knowledge and personal attention makes them unique’.
‘Anne-Marie Klijn is a fantastic lawyer, specifically in the field of spatial planning’.
‘The team is very well known for it’s excellent knowledge combined with a experience of politically sensitive matters’.
‘Anne-Marie Klijn is superb, her way of expression is clear and to the point’.
‘Their boutique style really shows in their personal and dedicated approach’.
‘They have a human-centric approach and still deliver all the products our company needs’.
‘They have created a team of the very best in the business’.
Key clients
AM
Boelens De Gruyter
BPD (Bouwfonds property development)
Breevast B.V.
Center Parcs Europe N.V.
Flow Real Estate B.V. (Blackstone)
G&S Vastgoed B.V.
Greystar
Janssen de Jong Projectontwikkeling B.V.
Lingotto Utrecht B.V.
OVG Real Estate / Edge Technologies
Pelt & Hooykaas B.V.
Provast
Work highlights
- Assisting Stichting Gebiedsontwikkeling aan de Maas (STIGAM) in relation to the Feyenoord City Masterplan, a structural redevelopment in Rotterdam-Zuid.
- Working side-by-side with the Consortium of Developers (Boelens de Gruyter, BPD (Bouwfonds propery management), AM, Greystar, Janssen de Jong Projectontwikkeling B.V., Lingotto Utrecht B.V.) as legal project managers for the transformation of the Merwedekanaalzone in Utrecht into apartments and other functions.
- Assisted real estate developer Flow Real Estate B.V. on behalf of Blackstone, with all public law aspects of the redevelopment (renovation and enlargement) of the iconic Tripolis office complex at the Amsterdam Zuidas and the building of a new transparent ‘landscraper’.
Ploum
Ploum’s environmental and planning department acts at the forefront of developments in the energy industry, including the energy transition, climate change and the nitrogen deposition crisis; it has recently been involved in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and (green and blue) hydrogen production projects. Practice head Maayke Maas-Cooymans acts as a compliance officer for BP, advising on environmental permits. The team is jointly headed by Alexandra Danopoulos, who was recently promoted to partner, and Stephan Sluiter.
Practice head(s):
Maayke Maas-Cooymans; Alexandra Danopoulos; Stephan Sluiter
Other key lawyers:
Brigitte Ebben; Jouko Barensen
Testimonials
‘The lawyers of the Rotterdam law firm Ploum present themselves as one team’.
‘Bright, no-nonsense, helpful lawyers who understand the needs of their client’.
‘I would always recommend them to my peers’.
‘I mostly worked with Maayke Maas-Cooymans, she is a terrific lawyer, creative, approachable, kind and always willing to help out’.
‘Very Professional Lawyers who understands legal issues fast and provide legal help and advise in a fast and pleasant way’.
‘Fast, direct and pleasant way of communicating’.
‘The Lawyers take the time and effort to understand the organisation of the client in relation to the concerning legal issues.’
‘Very up-to-date and in-depth knowledge of the legal area’.
Key clients
CrossWind
HG International B.V.
Vitol Tank Terminals B.V.
Eurotank Amsterdam B.V.
Euro Tank Terminal B.V.
Westpoort Warmte B.V.
Givaudan
OCI N.V.
Havenbedrijf Rotterdam
Dutch Accrediation Council (RvA)
BP (BP Raffinaderij Rotterdam B.V., BP Europa SE – BP Nederland and BP Oil International Limited)
Shell (Shell Nederland Raffinaderij B.V., Shell Nederland Chemie B.V. and Shell Europoort)
Dow Chemical
VPR Energy (formerly known as Koch)
Chevron
Wintershall Noordzee B.V.
The Chemours Company
Vopak
Koole Botlek Terminals (formerly known as Odfjell Terminals Rotterdam)
OCI Terminal Europoort B.V.
Oiltanking Amsterdam B.V.
Maltha Glasrecycling Nederland B.V.
Zeeland Refinery N.V.
Troy Moerdijk B.V.
B.V. Katwijk Chemie
TEAM Terminal B.V.
Koole Botlek Terminals (formerly known as Odfjell Terminals Rotterdam)
Maasvlakte Olie Terminal N.V.
Maatschap Europoort Terminal (MET)
Haan Oil Storage
Standic
Rubis
Samsung
Unilever
Rio Tinto/Aluchemie
Begemann Mercury Treatment
Boskalis Nederland B.V.
Boskalis Environmental B.V.
Dura Vermeer
BAM
AM Grondbedrijf B.V.
Eneco
Nuon
Stedin
NPO (Netherlands Public Broadcasting Institution)
TSH Management B.V. (The Student Hotel)
Municipality of Maassluis
Municipality of Nissewaard
Municipality of Dongen
Municipality of Capelle aan den IJssel
Court of Auditors of the municipality of Rotterdam
M7 Real Estate
BayWa r.e. Solar Projects GmbH
ATM B.V.
Unilever
Remondis Dusseldorp Gevaarlijk Afval B.V.
Vereniging Nederlandse Petroleum Industrie (VNPI)
Aluchemie Rotterdam B.V.
Motip Dupli B.V.
Damen Shipyards
Rotterdam The Hague Airport
Eindhoven Airport N.V.
VOTOB
GroenLeven B.V.
Renewi
Noord-Europees Wijnopslag Bedrijf
Evides N.V.
Hansteen Netherlands B.V.
Jacobs Douwe Egberts NL B.V.
Biopetrol Rotterdam B.V.
Glencore Agriculture B.V.
Rail Service Center Rotterdam B.V.
Gate Terminal B.V.
Van Oord Nederland B.V.
Work highlights
- Assisted CrossWind in the tender for the permit for the offshore wind farm Hollandse Kust Noord.
- Advising Westpoort Warmte B.V. in litigation against an environmental organization.
- Advising VTTI/Eurotank Amsterdam B.V. (ETA) on the process of obtaining a completely revised environmental license to operate the large scale tank storage facility in the Amsterdam harbor.
Straatman Koster Advocaten
Straatman Koster Advocaten is noted for its focus on the real estate and construction sectors. The environment and planning team handles environmental law and the public law aspects of projects. It adds value for clients by drafting and negotiating the sale and purchase and development contracts of projects. Head of team Marinda de Smidt is experienced in soil pollution, permit and enforcement issues, sustainable urban development, nature conservation and business park developments. Joost Hoekstra jointly heads the team; Anne Marie Ferwerda is recommended; and Simon Tichelaar was promoted to partner.
Practice head(s):
Marinda de Smidt; Joost Hoekstra
Other key lawyers:
Maaike de Wit; Anne Marie Ferwerda; Simon Tichelaar
Testimonials
‘Maaike de Wit is a very solid lawyer and fun to work with’.
‘A reliable partner which works in a solution-oriented way in complex legal cases’.
‘The team works with great dedication’.
‘Very pleasant people to work with’.
‘Joost Hoekstra is a fine personality, with extensive knowledge of the content’.
‘Joost Hoekstra is a solid discussion partner and good negotiator’.
Key clients
BPD (formerly Bouwfonds / Rabobank)
Schiphol Area Development Company
Municipality of Rotterdam
Municipality of Leiden
Municipality of Gouda
MRP
Klépierre S.A.
Vorm Ontwikkeling
Municipality of Almere
Stichting Monumentenbezit
Municipality of Gooise Meren
Municipality of The Hague
Amvest
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (Netherlands Enterprise Agency)
Provincie Zuid-Holland
Green Park Aalsmeer Gebiedsontwikkeling
Municipality of Hoeksche Waard
Provincie Utrecht
Leiden University
Work highlights
- Advising Schiphol Area Development Company (GEM A4 Zone West) on various environmental and planning issues regarding the innovative business park ‘Schiphol trade Park’.
- Advising The municipality of The Hague, AM and BPD on drafting a cooperation agreement as an independent advisor for all parties regarding the (re)development of (parts of) De Binckhorst, The Hague.
- Advising the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (Netherlands Enterprise Agency) on the legal aspects of new legislation regarding sustainability of office buildings.
Allen & Overy LLP
The regulatory and environment team at Allen & Overy LLP provides high-end commercial and regulatory advice on environmental matters, often with an international dimension. The team sits within the firm’s projects and real estate department and draws on expertise from real estate, commercial contracting and finance lawyers. The practice is headed by Werner Runge and counsel Marinus Winters, who focuses on economic regulation and public law. Counsel Jochem Spaans left for NautaDutilh.
Practice head(s):
Werner Runge; Marinus Winters
Key clients
ABN AMRO
Booking.com
EdgeConneX
European Metal Recycling
ING Bank
Japan Bank for International Cooperation
Landesbank Baden-Württemberg
MKS Instruments
Nikon
Pon
Rabobank
Sloe Centrale B.V.
SMBC
Uniper Benelux N.V. / E.ON Benelux
Work highlights
- Advising Uniper on the forced shutdown of its coal-fired power plant located on the Maasvlakte (Port of Rotterdam), as well as the decision to stop the development of a pilot CCS project.
- Acting as lenders’ legal advisers in relation to the development, contracting and financing of SwifterwinT’s wind farm.
- Acting as lender’s counsel in respect of the financing of the development and operation by Sunvest of eight solar farms in the Netherlands, each to be financed individually.
BarentsKrans
BarentsKrans handles project development, environmental, planning and zoning law issues. It acts for central government and regional and local authorities, and also on behalf of commercial entities that face government action. Head of practice Nicole Soliana advises on real estate and project development, and also litigates on behalf of property developers, contractors and government authorities. Remco Bäcker is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Nicole Soliana
Other key lawyers:
Remco Bäcker
Key clients
AM
Amvest
APF International
Bosch Beton
Brookland
Delfland Water Authority
Ducor Petrochemicals
Ecorus
EDCO
G&S Vastgoed
HaJé Restaurants
JA Real Estate
J.P. Van Eesteren
Kickersvoet
LSI Investments
Municipality of Dordrecht
Palace Casino Group
Province of Zuid-Holland
Rabobank Nederland
Synchroon
Stichting Bloembollenkeuringsdienst
Work highlights
- Advising and litigating on behalf of Synchroon regarding various aspects of planning and environmental matters in relation to several projects.
- Advising Amvest with regard to the planning procedure and various other environmental and zoning aspects concerning the realisation of several residential and commercial buildings, including Project Zalmhaven.
- Advising Ducor Petrochemicals, producer of plastic granulate, with regard to enforcement by DCMR regarding the prevention of the loss of plastic granulate into the environment, specifically the Port of Rotterdam, at the request of the Plastic Soup Foundation.
CMS
The administrative law and public procurement department at CMS has noted expertise in administrative proceedings, zoning and environmental law, public contracts and goods. Key clients include the Chamber of Commerce, large and medium sized local municipalities, water boards and provincial authorities, as well as private companies. Petra Heemskerk and Luurt Wildeboer jointly head the practice.
Practice head(s):
Petra Heemskerk; Luurt Wildeboer
Testimonials
‘The team is very responsive and has good knowledge of the legal system, which they translate into practical and helpful advice’.
‘Luurt Wildeboer is easy to reach, responsive and always a great help in complicated matters’.
Key clients
Ajax N.V.
Municipality of Stichtse Vecht
Zegwaard Beheer B.V.
SBB Accreditation Body
Qbuzz B.V.
Municipality of Waalwijk
Waterboard Drents Overijsselse Delta
Waterboard Hoogheemraadschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden
AVR-Afvalverwerking B.V.
Stichting Rivierduinen
Van der Bijl Mengvoeders B.V.
McDonald’s Nederland B.V.
PLUS Retail B.V.
Den Ouden Groep
Catella Real Estate AG
Logistics Capital Partners
Caprev Roosendaal B.V.
Work highlights
- Assisted McDonald’s with opening several new restaurants, including a McDonald’s restaurant in a national listed monument located in Delft, a permit procedure and two appeal procedures.
- Advising Qbuzz on legal issues which arise during the execution of its public transport contracts.
- Assisted the Waterboard Drents Overijsselse Delta in the tender procedure regarding the dyke reinforcement between Zwolle and Olst.
Dentons
Dentons’ dedicated public law team attracts significant mandates in the energy, infrastructure and real estate development spaces. Jan Jakob Peelen heads the practice and focuses on environmental law, procurement law and general administrative law. Valentijn Leijh was recently promoted to partner and advises private parties and government institutions on project development, zoning and planning law.
Practice head(s):
Jan Jakob Peelen
Other key lawyers:
Valentijn Leijh
Testimonials
‘Unique, out-of-the-box approach and they dare to takes routes others don’t ‘.
‘No-nonsense mentality, easy to reach’.
‘Valentijn Leijh is very easy to reach’.
‘Valentijn Leijh is a very good analyst, sharpens the edges, is fast and provides only high-quality advice which is directly applicable to me as an investor’.
Key clients
Bayrol Deutschland GmbH
BECC B.V.
Bijenkorf
Bluefield Partners
BNG Bank
CTF Amsterdam
Erasmus
Euroscoop/Pathé
Eurus Energy
Goodman
HKS Scrap Metals
Pinnacle
PLUS Vastgoed BV/ PLUS Retail BV
Rabobank
Regus Nederland
RWE
Stichting Groenfonds
Stichting Merem Behandels Centra
Susquehanna International Securities
Tamoil Nederland
TAQA
Total
Triodos Investment Management
Union Investment Real Estate
Veolia
VU
Work highlights
- Advising RWE on environmental issues and regulatory issues related to various production plants, including the Amer power plant, the Claus power plant and the Linne Hydropower plant.
- Advising Pinnacle on all administrative matters concerning several (re)developments.
- Advising Triodos Investment Management on the regulatory issues involved in the acquisition of two large scale solar projects, including advice on the regulatory framework applicable to grid connections and environmental issues.
DLA Piper
The environment and planning and climate change focus group at DLA Piper is embedded in several practice areas, including energy and natural resources, industrials and real estate. With legal director Arjen de Snoo at the helm, the team handles administrative, zoning and planning, environmental and nature preservation law. Jaap Lameijer was promoted to senior associate.
Practice head(s):
Arjen de Snoo
Other key lawyers:
Jaap Lameijer
Testimonials
‘Great knowledge of the latest developments in the planning space’.
‘In-depth understanding of the complex planning landscape in the Netherlands and key legal documentation associated with it’.
‘Provide the right hands-on and practical legal advice and can accurately anticipate any issue or sensitive matter that might materialise’.
‘The team works very well’.
‘Arjen de Snoo is very sensitive and commercial’.
Key clients
GPS Group
PWN
DFI
Waterland Real Estate
Unilever
BG Retail
Stena Realty
Omrin
Deutsche Bank
Segro
Work highlights
- Advising GPS Group in relation to the expansion of the terminal in the Amsterdam harbour area, in particular with regard to the impact of the Dutch Nitrogen crisis on permitting.
- Advising and litigating for PWN, the government owned water company serving 780,000 houses and offices in the province North-Holland, in several matters, related to the company’s sites and utilities, the climate change adaptation strategy and the legal boundaries of the public tasks of PWN.
- Asked and nominated by the State (Rijkswaterstaat), Arjen de Snoo, was appointed by the District Court of Amsterdam to represent the owners of land and apartment rights in the expropriation procedures.
Hemwood
Hemwood focuses on zoning and planning matters relating to the (re)development of inner-city housing and mixed-purpose buildings, such as hotels, offices, logistics and retail buildings and industrial sites. Key clients include developers, real estate investors, banks and institutional investors, retailers, construction companies, municipalities and other government institutions. Eefje van Bommel heads the practice.
Practice head(s):
Eefje van Bommel
Other key lawyers:
Gijs Heutink
Testimonials
‘Very personal interactions, quick, short and brief communications, saving time and making the situation easier to understand.’
‘Eefje van Bommel is sharp, quick, and gives you the impression that you are her only customer’.
‘Hands-on mentality, very experienced employees and easily accessible partners’.
‘They think in solutions as opposed to many other lawyers’.
‘The contact is directly with the lawyer that is handling the file, which is very important’.
‘Eefje van Bommel is very hands-on and easily accessible’.
‘Good and fast communication’.
‘Assertive way of dealing with environmental permitting matters’.
Key clients
Ahold
AM Real Estate Developments
Amvest
Amway Corporation
Annexum
APF International
AS Watson
Ashendene
ASR
Amrath Hotels & Restaurants
Bauhaus
Being Development
Bidfood
Bloemenheuvel B.V.
Borghese
Bouwinvest
Bun Groep
Breevast
Camelot
Caransa Groep B.V.
COD
Coltavast
CompaNanny
Coronel Beheermaatschappij
De Bijenkorf
Doniger Vastgoed
Dreef Beheer (Dekamarkt)
Dutch Green Company
Dutch Seafood Group
Equinix (EMEA)
Esprit
FNG (Claudia Sträter, Miss Etam, Expresso)
Fortress Investment Group
Greentree Properties
GebouwWest
HB Capital
HBB Groep
HBC Projectontwikkeling
Heren2
HG International B.V.
Hillborgh
Hines
Holland Immo Group
Hoorne Vastgoed
Hotels van Oranje
Innova Investments B.V.
IVY Group
Kleingouw Vastgoed
KNSF Vastgoed
Koopmans Bouwgroep
Laagraven Investments
Laeitana Vastgoed Consultancy
Levi Strauss
Maarsen Groep
Marathon Fund
Merin
Metro Properties (Makro)
Montea
Mooijer Vastgoed
Motel One
Multi Corporation
Municipality of Almere
Municipality of Hoorn
Municipality of Hulst
Municipality of Schiedam
Municipality of Sliedrecht
Municipality of Soest
Municipality of Tilburg
Municipality of Uithoorn
Municipality of Weesp
Municipality of Westland
Patrizia
Peak Development
PLUS Vastgoed
PVH (Hilfiger/Calvin Klein)
Quan
Rabobank Nederland
Redevco
Retailpark Den Bosch BV
Revive
Rockspring
Spaansen Holding
Stadgenoot
Stadswaarde
Stichting De Oude Kerk
Stichting Paleis het Loo
Suit Supply B.V.
Syntrus Achmea
TBI
Timeless
Van der Valk Investments B.V.
Van der Vorm Vastgoed B.V.
Van Lanschot Bankiers
Vastint
Verus Eerstelijns
Vivera Food Groep
VolkerWessels
Vomar
Waal V.O.F.
Wereldhave N.V.
Zinc RE
Work highlights
- Advising Tristan/Timeless Investments on the zoning plan matters regarding the development of an office/ residential space.
- Advising Kees Consortium on the development of the iconic MARK towers in the city of Utrecht.
- Advising Vastint on the redevelopment of the Leeuwenburg building, including the zoning and permit procedures and the contracting with the Municipality of Amsterdam.
Kennedy Van der Laan
The multi-disciplinary administrative and public law team at Kennedy Van der Laan handles litigation and regulatory matters in the public, real estate, public housing, and arts and culture sectors. With a focus on administrative law, environmental law and nature conservation law, the firm advises the government, stakeholders and private companies on projects, investments and permits. Anita Nijboer heads the team.
Practice head(s):
Anita Nijboer
Key clients
Port of Amsterdam
Avandis (Lucas Bols)
Urban Interest
Municipality of Duiven
Municipality of Montferland
Museum Voorlinden
Colorcon
Nederlands Auschwitz Comité
You Hotel
Clink Hostel
De Alliantie
Work highlights
- Advising Urban Interest regarding all inner-city redevelopment projects.
- Advised and handled the procedure regarding the establishment of a Museum in Wassenaar: Museum Voorlinden.
- Advised You Hotel on the arrival of a new hotel concept in Zaandam and successfully represented You Hotel in objection proceedings that were brought against the granting of the necessary permit.
Loyens & Loeff
Loyens & Loeff counts multinationals, real estate investors and developers, private equity firms and government departments amongst its clientele. The team, which sits in the firm’s competition and regulatory group, handles both contentious and non-contentious matters and has recently advised on several litigious matters involving soil protection. The practice is headed by Guido Koop, who focuses on administrative, zoning and environmental law, and Kim Lucassen.
Practice head(s):
Guido Koop; Kim Lucassen
Testimonials
‘The team is very pro-active and client facilitating’.
‘They have shown to be creative and to the point’.
‘Very deep expertise and very practical to support’.
‘Very solution-oriented and willing to understand the details of the planning issue’.
‘Innovative and pragmatic to make technical requirements fit the planning law’.
‘Staying close to the customer, with excellent knowledge in the specific field’.
‘In-depth knowledge of the market combined with specialist knowledge of current spatial planning’.
‘The qualities that we value and that stand out are the in-depth knowledge of the market and the way they are able to collaborate with different advisors and specialists’.
Key clients
Atenor Group
LUKOIL
Chint Solar/Astronergy
Chevron Oronite
Port of Amsterdam
Cargill
ABN AMRO
Goldman Sachs
Arriva/Deutsche Bahn
CBRE Global Investors
Blackstone
Brookfield
Municipality of Rotterdam
Rabobank
Morgan Stanley
Real.I.S Real Estate
Municipality of Utrecht
Rotterdam-Rhine Pipeline
Caïrn Real Estate
Sagax
Work highlights
- Representing developer DHG in various administrative (court) proceedings, including assisting DHG in the soil remediation scheme for a logistical business park in Venray.
- Concluded a long lasting court dispute for Alliander against the Province of North-Holland where the Province accused Alliander of violating soil protection legislation.
- Represented the business interests of several companies and the Port Authority of Amsterdam, successfully opposing an experimental (future style) zoning plan allowing for over 1000 residences in the vicinity of these companies.
Six Advocaten
The environment and planning team at Six Advocaten focuses on the real estate sector, handling advisory work, litigation and transactions. With experience in the development, sale and acquisition, and lease of housing and hotels, the firm also handles infrastructure and inner-city development projects. Under the leadership of Irma van den Berg, the practice is well-regarded for zoning and environmental law, and general administrative law.
Practice head(s):
Irma van den Berg
Other key lawyers:
Hanneke Ellerman
Testimonials
‘Hanneke Ellerman is a very solid lawyer and a fine person to work with’.
‘Hands-on, rapid responders’.
‘They involve the right people from their firm when necessary and have a no-nonsense mentality’.
‘Lots of experience with our kind of business’.
‘In comparison to other firms, they act instead of talk about what they could do for you’.
‘They provide knowledge of all relevant specialisms’.
‘Quick and thorough answers, but above all very accessible’.
‘Nice agency to work with’.
Key clients
Amrath Hotels
Bouwfonds Property Development (BPD)
Lingotto
AM Real Estate Development
A&O Hostels
Parteon
HSB Ontwikkeling B.V.
NWO-1 / Astron
City of Amsterdam
MN Pension Fund for Metal and Technology Industry
CBRE Global Investors
Work highlights
- Advised the Municipality of Diemen about the possibility to deny zoning permission to Vattenfall for a biomass power plant.
- Advised and litigated on behalf of Bouwfonds Property Development (BPD) in various procedures regarding the development of 2750 residences and supporting facilities in the area between Weesp and Muiden at about 30 km from Amsterdam.
- Advised HSB in a zoning plan procedure regarding the transformation of a part of the former hospital area (De Heel) into a residential area.
Van Doorne
Van Doorne is noted for its expertise in planning and environmental law, which includes specialist knowledge in spatial planning and zoning matters. On the spatial planning side, the practice advises real estate developers on projects, including office transformations, housing projects and the expansion of retail locations. With regards to zoning, it handles environmental permits, such as noise, air, soil and safety. Cees Kniestedt heads the team.
Practice head(s):
Cees Kniestedt
Other key lawyers:
Annet Blokhuis
Testimonials
‘Very good all-round legal service’.
‘Creative and strong with complex legal cases’.
‘Legal products are high quality’.
Key clients
Hornbach Holding B.V.
SEIN (Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland)
Friesland Campina Nederland B.V.
Municipality of Gooise Meren
Municipality of Amstelveen
Trion Vastgoed B.V.
Aberdeen Standard Investments
CANPACK Netherlands B.V.
DNB (De Nederlandsche Bank)
MG Real Estate B.V.
WSW (Stichting Waarborgfonds Sociale Woningbouw)
Rederij Kooij
Work highlights
- Assisting Hornbach Holding B.V. with advice and litigation before the administrative courts, as it expands its network of branches in the Netherlands.
- Assisting SEIN (Stichting Eplileptische Instellingen Nederland) with the redevelopment of parts of its property portfolio for housing.
- Supporting FrieslandCampina on environmental and zoning issues arising in relation to production at its Dutch sites.