COBALT has provided pro bono legal support to the Jurmala Protection Association in a case before the Constitutional Court concerning amendments to the territorial planning of the city of Jurmala. The case was initiated following the Association’s application challenging changes that would permit construction in natural areas located in Bulduri, Stirnurags, Jaundubulti, and Pumpuri.
On 13 November 2025, the Constitutional Court delivered its judgment, ruling that the binding regulations adopted by the Jurmala City Council, changing the land use designation of certain plots from “natural base territory” to “residential area”, were incompatible with Article 115 of the Constitution, which guarantees every individual the right to live in a benevolent environment.
In its judgment, the Court emphasized that a national development planning system has been established to promote sustainability, including the preparation of territorial planning documents. The Court found that the Jurmala City Council, in conducting the strategic assessment of the territorial planning amendments, failed to align land use decisions with the Jurmala Development Strategy 2010–2030. This strategy explicitly prohibits the fragmentation of large forest areas, calls for the preservation of dune ecosystems, and mandates the protection and public accessibility of natural assets, ensuring that nature remains close and available to all city residents.
The Court noted that the contested regulation affects not only the rights of Jurmala’s residents but also the interests of society as a whole. It ruled that the regulation is null and void from the moment of its enactment. Therefore, the previous version of the Jūrmala City spatial plan is currently in force with respect to the relevant land plots.
Pro bono legal assistance to the Jurmala Protection Association was provided by Senior Associate Gabriela Šantare. COBALT’s team also included Junior Associates Roberts Gusts and Kārlis Ošs.
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