Grontmij makes many types of spatial plans: from structure plans (municipal, provincial, river basin) and development plans on various scale levels to strategic plan studies for the demarcation of urban areas and economic clusters. Environmental and strategic insight, creativity, sound understanding of the planning instruments and process support in close consultation with the client and the stakeholders are the characteristics of our services. For these plans, Grontmij can also handle all aspects of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Spatial structure plans
Structure plans are policy documents. They provide a long-term vision of the desired spatial developments in a specific area. The structure plans make for the framework for new projects and spatial development. They are the result of a dynamic and continuous process of vision and policy development.
Spatial development
Development plans guide the actual implementation of a spatial structure plan. A spatial development plan describes in detail the possible spatial developments for a specific area and is legally regulating. Grontmij handles the design of the plan, the explanatory note, the development of the related urban rules & regeulations and guide you through the whole planning procedure right up to the approval decision.
Demarcation of urban areas
The Spatial Structure Plan Flanders selects big city, regional city and small city areas. The demarcation studies of these urban areas are processes of vision development. We study how the urban area can be shaped and developed within a demarcation line. This development covers new regional or specialised industrial estates, urban residential areas, areas for large-scale urban functions and strategic urban projects (such as station neighbourhoods). Outside this demarcation line, the government implements a rural area policy. The demarcation study has no legal significance of its own, but does prepare for a formal regional or provincial environmental development plan
Specific economic clusters
Specific economic clusters are municipalities in the rural area that are home to an important concentration in economic activities. In these communes it's planned that both local and regional activities can develop further. First a demarcation study provides details on the specific spatial-economic role of an economic cluster. Next, spatial development plans are made for the specific economic clusters in which the area for business activities is determined.