Easier to build big

On 17 July the Belgian senate approved a new law that will permit large-format retail outlets once more. The so-called Ikea law authorises local authorities to give planning permission for stores in excess of 2 000 m². The intention is to reduce the time taken by the authorisation procedure, since the local authorities are now in a position to come to an independent decision on the admissibility of an outlet. The previous legislation, which prevented the construction of large-format stores, came into being through pressure from small and medium-sized companies.