This dataset contains information on the applications for a “Milieuvergunning” (environmental permit) handled by the City of Antwerp between 1983 and 1985. In particular, the dataset documents cases in which citizens filed complaints against the requested permits within the so called “commodo et incommodo” procedure, which was a mandatory prerequisite for granting a permit for polluting and potentially harmful businesses according to Belgian legislation. With this data it is possible to analyze which cases met with opposition from local residents and where opposition was absent. In addition, the dataset allows to go back to the original archival files and reconstruct cases in depth.