Environmental Support for Municipal Master Plans (PGOU) | Environmental Consultancy

What environmental support for a Municipal Master Plan involves

A Municipal Master Plan (Plan General de Ordenación Urbana, PGOU) is the general urban planning instrument of a Spanish municipality: it classifies land, defines permitted uses and sets the rules for urban management across the municipal area. Under Spanish and EU environmental law, the drafting or revision of a PGOU generally has to undergo strategic environmental assessment (in Spain, Law 21/2013 on Environmental Assessment, transposing EU SEA Directive 2001/42/EC), which requires specialist environmental expertise within the drafting team.

What the environmental input adds

Preparation of the initial document that opens the strategic environmental assessment of the plan.
Drafting of the strategic environmental study in line with the scoping document issued by the environmental authority.
Environmental diagnosis of the municipal area: habitats, protected species, natural hazards, cultural heritage and features to be safeguarded through land classification.
Proposed classification of protected non-developable land on the basis of its environmental, forestry or landscape value.
Coordination with sectoral authorities (environment, water, heritage, roads) throughout the plan's consultation process.

Why it matters for renewable energy developers

The PGOU and its subsidiary rules determine how municipal land is classified, which directly conditions where and how renewable energy projects can be sited. A well-drafted plan that expressly contemplates compatible energy uses on rural land smooths the later permitting of specific projects, whereas outdated planning can create additional obstacles and uncertainty for developers.

Why choose Ideas Medioambientales

We provide the specialist environmental input to PGOU drafting teams, with experience in the strategic environmental assessment of municipal urban planning and a clear understanding of the land-classification needs of renewable energy projects.

With more than 25 years of experience and an in-house multidisciplinary team that includes archaeologists, biologists and environmental scientists, we work across the whole of Spain from our offices in Albacete and Madrid. Our management systems are certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.

Tell us the scope of your planning instrument and we will advise on the environmental support your PGOU drafting or revision requires.

Book a 30-minute meeting and tell us about your projects.

You can also contact us today to talk about your project.

What can we cover in 30 minutes?

It's more than enough time to have an overview of your needs and recommend the best route forward. Here there is a summary of the steps we will follow.

1. Let's get to know your project

We want you to walk us through your project's main goals and concerns; and based on that, we’ll set an approach to make the most of the meeting.

2. Quick assessment: identifying challenges and opportunities

We will analyze the key aspects of your project, such as its location, applicable regulations, deadlines and potential environmental impacts, highlighting the main challenges and opportunities.

3. Tailored solutions: how can we help you

We will suggest you the services that best suit your needs, explaining how we work to ensure regulatory compliance and sustainability, while answering any questions that you may have.

4. Action Plan: let's keep moving forward together

We will wrap up with a summary of the key points, suggesting clear next steps such as a quote or a follow-up meeting. We will remain at your disposal to accompany you as your project moves forward.