Planning approval

In Germany, plan approval is a formal administrative procedure for the binding official approval of a plan in cases provided for by law. All public-law relationships between the project sponsor and those affected by the plan are regulated in a legally binding manner. The plan approval includes and bundles other official approvals, permits, authorizations and consents. Without planning approval, a large number of public law procedures would have to be carried out for major projects, which would make efficient and consistent planning very difficult and time-consuming. Comprehensive participation of citizens and affected parties is ensured through the possibility of objections and a possible discussion meeting.

In particular

• the construction and modification of
  • Mountain railroads,
  • Overhead power lines from 110 kV,
  • Airports and landing sites,
  • Gas supply lines over 300 mm diameter,
  • Railroad lines,
• dike construction and watercourse development and
• new construction and significant changes to federal, state and district roads

are generally subject to planning approval.