Planning approval procedure

The planning approval procedure is the approval procedure for infrastructure projects that affect a wide range of public and private interests. It is required, inter alia, for the construction and modification of roads (e.g. motorways), railways (railways and trams), airports, certain lines and cable cars. In the procedure and in the final decision, the Plan Approval Decision, a comprehensive balance of all concerns with the arguments supporting the project takes place. The aim of the procedure is to bring all interests under one roof as far as possible. An important feature of the planning assessment is the so-called concentration effect. This means that the planning approval decision replaces all other necessary individual permits (e.g. water-law permits, nature protection exemptions). This, in turn, requires the early and comprehensive participation of all public authorities (technical authorities, municipalities, etc.) whose tasks are affected by the project, as well as associations and other bodies that can contribute their expertise and demands to the proceedings in this way.