Development, Planning & Environment
Development, Planning & Environment
Our specialist team assist with all aspects of development and planning law issues. Our work ranges from seeking review of decisions of regulatory authorities, interpreting planning legislation and planning instruments, drafting planning agreements, providing advice on compliance orders and representing our clients in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal and the Land and Environment Court of NSW in merit and judicial review matters, civil enforcement and prosecution proceedings.
We also specialise in environmental law in the ACT and NSW, including vegetation clearing, threatened species, biodiversity and heritage matters. We assist with pollution and contaminated land matters, environment protection licensing, and regulatory orders and investigations.
Development applications
Whether you need to submit a development application or are appealing a decision made by a regulatory authority on a development application, our experienced Planning and Environment lawyers can assist.
We can provide advice on the permissibility and characterisation of a proposed development and guide you through the development assessment and determination process. If development consent has already been given to a project, we can provide advice about lapsing, conditions and modifications. We also assist interested parties to make submissions on development applications and to seek review of, or challenge the validity of, development decisions.
We can also represent you in the ACAT or the Land and Environment Court of NSW, should you need or wish to appeal a decision (or deemed decision) regarding a development application or consent.
Compulsory acquisitions
Public authorities have the power to acquire land and interests in land by compulsory acquisition. However, prior to doing so, they are expected to negotiate with land-owners.
We understand that the prospect of your land being acquired can be stressful. If you are negotiating with a public authority for the acquisition of your land or an interest in your land, we can help. We can provide advice as to what rights you have and assist you to negotiate appropriate compensation. If negotiations are unsuccessful, we can represent you in Court
Disputes
If you need to escalate a dispute about a development, planning or environmental law matter, we can help. We can provide advice on how to proceed and your prospects of success if you were to take your dispute to the ACAT (in the ACT) or the Land and Environment Court (in NSW). We are often able resolve disputes through alternative dispute resolution processes. Where that is not possible or desirable, we are comfortable and confident in pursuing matters to a contested hearing.