Planning, Environment & Local Government

We help you move projects forward

Developments require planning approvals and environmental compliance. We help property developers, local government, and landowners handle development applications, environmental law, and planning appeals.

Our Planning, Environment & Local Government team works across development and planning matters in the ACT and NSW. We advise on planning legislation, environmental requirements, and represent clients in ACAT and the Land and Environment Court when decisions need challenging.

Development Applications & Planning

Getting development approval means understanding what is permissible, navigating the assessment process, and managing conditions or appeals if needed. We advise on development applications from initial permissibility through to determination, interpret planning legislation, and draft planning agreements. When applications are refused or decisions are unsatisfactory, we handle appeals in ACAT or the Land and Environment Court.

Environmental Law & Compliance

Environmental regulations cover vegetation clearing, threatened species, biodiversity, heritage protection, contaminated land, and environment protection licensing. We advise on what applies to your project and how to comply. When compliance issues escalate, we respond to regulatory orders and investigations, handle clean-up and prevention notices, and represent clients in environment and planning prosecutions.

Local Government Services

NSW local councils operate within specific legislative frameworks and face unique planning and development challenges. We provide dedicated planning and environment services to councils, advising on development applications from consideration to determination, interpreting planning legislation, drafting planning agreements, and advising on compliance and enforcement. We represent councils in the Land and Environment Court when matters escalate.

Compulsory Acquisitions & Disputes

When public authorities acquire land compulsorily, landowners have rights to negotiate compensation and challenge the process. We explain those rights, assist with compensation negotiations, and represent you in court if needed. For planning and environmental disputes, we advise on prospects, pursue alternative dispute resolution where possible, and handle contested hearings when required.