Advice on (retail) permits

Groen winkelpark in avondlicht

Advice on (retail) permits

Permitted or not? First see what's already there.

Many retail properties have more rights than their owners realise. Licentius identifies those rights and builds a feasible application on them, for retailers, owners and investors in Flanders.

Quick check

Do I need a permit?

Three questions to find out whether your project is likely to need a retail permit. Not sure? Margo will take a look.

400 m²
net retail floor area, the threshold in the decree
6
retail categories since 4 March 2024
1
point of contact, from analysis to decision

Quick permit check

IHB · 2 min
What do you want to do?
850 m²
Does the property already have a retail permit?
Permit probably required

Above 400 m² of net retail floor area, a new store usually requires an environmental permit for retail activities. Checking first what is already permitted can save a lot of time.

Have Margo review your project

This check gives a first indication and is not legal advice. Every case is assessed individually.

The added value

Licentius, the added value

With a solid grounding in practice and in-depth sector insight, Licentius supports retailers, property owners, developers and investors in navigating complex challenges related to retail permits and spatial development.

Not every project automatically requires a new permit. A thorough analysis of the historical and legal framework often reveals more possibilities than initially apparent — allowing complex procedures to be avoided or optimised.

This combination of practical experience and legal expertise makes it possible to build cases strategically and convincingly, aligned with the interests of all parties involved — including the permitting authorities. The result: not just permits where needed, but above all opportunities others don’t see.

View our services →

Who we help

Three starting points, one set of rules

A retailer looks for a location, an owner for a new tenant, an investor for certainty before buying. The questions differ, the answer lies in the same regulations.

Retailer

You want to grow your store

A new location, a different product range or more square metres: each time the question is whether the permit allows it.

  • New branch or relocation
  • Change or extend the product range
  • Downsize the store for a subtenant
Read more – Retailer

Owner

Your property is getting a new use

A change of tenant or a renovation depends on what is permitted on the property. That is what we check first.

  • New tenant with a different product range
  • Extend or reconfigure
  • Know the permit status of the property
Read more – Owner

Developer/investor

You want certainty before you buy or build

The value of retail property partly depends on the permitted categories and floor area. An upfront analysis prevents surprises.

  • Feasibility before purchase
  • Check permitted categories and m²
  • Extend or rebuild a site
Read more – Developer/investor

No obligation

Preparing a retail project?

Briefly tell us what you are planning. Margo will be in touch within 2 working days.

  1. You describe your project in a short form.
  2. Margo reviews it and gets in touch.
  3. You receive a tailored quote.
Request your quote
Quote Email Margo