Tesla is allowed to expand its Gigafactory site in Grünheide, Brandenburg. On 16 May 2024, the municipal council meeting approved the amended development plan. Rechtsanwalt Dr Jan Thiele represented the municipality in this planning procedure, as he had already done for the Settlement of the US car manufacturer. In addition to the expansion to include new warehouse and logistics areas, the development plan also includes extensive infrastructure projects. These include the optimised routing of two state roads, the establishment of a company-owned freight depot with tracks to reduce traffic congestion in the community, the relocation and expansion of the Fangschleuse railway station for passenger transport and the redesign of the station forecourt. Around 71 hectares of forest are now to be converted as a result of the planning.

The original plans had envisaged the conversion of large areas of forest. However, a public consultation rejected these interventions. There have also been repeated attacks by activists. Since February, some have occupied part of the forest and set up a protest camp.

At the meeting on 16 May 2024, the municipal representatives also voted on an urban development contract in which Tesla undertakes, among other things, to take additional measures to protect drinking water. The Gigafactory's water consumption and the risk of contamination have also repeatedly been the subject of public concern in the recent past.

The contact person for environmental law issues in our practice is Rechtsanwalt Dr Jan Thiele. He advises the municipality of Grünheide on construction planning law and other legal aspects of infrastructure measures associated with the construction of the Tesla factory.