02. September 2025

OPPENLÄNDER successfully advises the Hermann Hesse Railway Association in the planning approval process for the reactivation of the railway line from Weil der Stadt to Calw

Over the past few months, OPPENLÄNDER has provided comprehensive advice to the association on species protection compensation measures, railway law issues and questions relating to planning approval in general. In addition to coordinator Dr Vera Dörrfuß, the mandate was handled by Dr Maximilian Stützel and Dr Maximilian Gerhold. They were supported by the two partners Prof. Dr Lenz and Dr Torsten Gerhard.

Many years after the line was originally scheduled to go into operation, its reactivation can now finally be completed with the issuance of the last outstanding planning approval decision. Particular difficulties arose due to the bat population that had settled in the Forst and Hirsau railway tunnels after the railway line was decommissioned. This also attracted nationwide media coverage in Germany. The successful conclusion of the proceedings is also thanks to the tireless efforts of all those involved and the support of Transport Minister Winfried Hermann and his chief of staff Berthold Frieß. As lawyers, we are delighted that the joint efforts for the transport transition in the Stuttgart metropolitan region are proving effective.

The OPPENLÄNDER public law team regularly advises various project developers and public authorities on approval and planning approval procedures. Our clients benefit from our comprehensive expertise in the relevant areas of law, such as environmental and nature conservation law, construction and planning law, and transport infrastructure law.

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