Construction projects on certain green areas in Brussels have been temporarily halted following a landmark court ruling in favor of environmental organizations and more than 1,000 residents.
The Brussels-Capital Region has been ordered to stop granting building permits for any undeveloped land larger than 0.5 hectares. The ruling, issued on 29 October, will remain in place until at least 31 December 2026 or until regional planning laws are revised.
The case was initiated last year by WeAreNature.Brussels, the association Bruxelles Nature, and 1,330 citizens. They argued that the regional government should not authorize urban development on natural or semi-natural land without updating existing regulations to align with climate and environmental objectives.
According to the environmental groups, continued construction on unprotected land could worsen the city’s vulnerability to heatwaves and flooding while destroying vital ecosystems.
Jean-Baptiste Godinot, president of WeAreNature.Brussels, hailed the ruling as “excellent news for biodiversity and Brussels’ resilience to extreme weather events—and therefore for citizens, their health and their well-being.”
He urged the Brussels-Capital Region to develop a “coherent, nature-based adaptation strategy that protects the most vulnerable areas.”
Among the affected zones are Josaphat Friche, the Marais Wiels, the Bempt, and Carré des Chardons—locations that have long been the subject of debate between environmentalists and developers. These spaces are seen as essential for maintaining urban biodiversity and offering natural buffers against climate impacts.
Environmental groups say the court’s decision also sets a vital legal precedent that could inspire similar actions in other Belgian regions. “It helps to establish legal precedent, which other citizens in other towns and regions can then use to make similar requests to their own courts,” the group stated.
The ruling is now under review by the cabinet of outgoing Brussels Minister-President Rudi Vervoort (PS) and outgoing State Secretary for Urban Development Ans Persoons (Vooruit). Officials have yet to announce whether they will appeal the decision or move forward with revising the Regional Land Use Plan (PRAS).
The suspension represents a turning point in Brussels’ urban policy, highlighting the growing public demand for sustainable city planning and greater protection of the region’s remaining green spaces.
As Brussels faces increasing environmental pressures, the court’s decision may signal a shift toward prioritizing nature over rapid urban expansion.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
