News
20. December 2022
HFK Update: Federal Administrative Court clears the way for construction work of the Fehmarn Belt fixed link
In its rulings of December 14, 2022, the Federal Administrative Court dismissed the complaints of two environmental associations against the plan amendment resolution of September 1, 2021 for the Fehmarnbelt fixed link.
In the plan amendment decision of September 1, 2021, the responsible planning authority, the Schleswig-Holstein Office for Plan Approval for Traffic, granted an exemption from the prohibition of impairment and destruction with regard to three reefs. As compensation for these interventions, the restoration of 17.5 ha of reefs in the area of the so-called Sagas Bank in the south of Fehmarn was mandated at the same time.
The Federal Administrative Court now ruled in favor of the defendant: The authority was justified in refraining from a new environmental impact assessment. According to the court's opinion, the fixed link across the Fehmarnbelt is of outstanding importance for connecting Scandinavia to the transcontinental transport network, so that the granting of the exemption is justified. The compensatory measure is also adequate.
Another legal dispute with a ferry company was also declared settled. The parties concluded an extrajudicial settlement.
We are delighted with our client that construction work on the Fehmarnbelt fixed link is continuing without any hindrance!