Expert Planning & Environment Law Services in Sydney & NSW
- Development Approvals & Consent Matters
- Environmental Impact Assessments & Compliance
- Land & Environment Court Representation
- Subdivision Planning & Applications
Providing Practical Planning & Environment Law Advice To:
Property Developers
Navigating complex planning regulations, development approvals, and environmental compliance to ensure successful project outcomes.
Local Councils
Providing expert advice on planning legislation, environmental impact assessments, and representing councils in Land and Environment Court disputes.
Government Agencies
Assisting with the development & implementation of planning policies, environmental protection strategies, and compulsory land acquisitions.
Landowners
Guiding landowners through the subdivision process, rezoning applications, and managing disputes related to land use & development.
Community Groups
Representing community interests in planning & environmental matters, including heritage protection, tree preservation, and public land use.
How Our Sydney Construction Lawyers Can Assist You
Development Approvals & Applications
Land & Environment Court Litigation
Subdivision Planning & Execution
Environmental Impact Assessments
We manage and advise on the environmental impact assessment process, ensuring your project meets all regulatory requirements under NSW environmental protection laws.
Regulatory Compliance & Due Diligence
We provide strategic front-end advice on complex planning regulations, conducting due diligence on contaminated land, heritage restrictions, and climate policies to mitigate project risks.
Compulsory Acquisition Representation
We represent landowners affected by the compulsory acquisition of land, providing expert advice and negotiation to ensure you receive fair compensation and your rights are protected.
Advisory for Local Councils
We provide expert legal advice to Local Councils on planning legislation, environmental policy implementation, and represent their interests in Land and Environment Court matters.
Property Development Legal Support
We offer end-to-end support for property developments, including assistance with construction contracts, off-the-plan marketing, and managing the pre-sales process from inception to completion.
Tree & Neighbour Disputes
We provide specialist advice and representation for resolving disputes between neighbours under the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006 (NSW), helping resolve issues concerning trees and hedges.
Our Strategic Approach to Planning & Environment Matters
1
Initial Consultation & Project Assessment
We assess your project goals against planning controls and environmental regulations. This helps us understand your objectives and provide initial advice on the best path forward.
2
Strategic Planning & Advice
We create a clear, actionable legal strategy tailored to your objectives, whether it’s a development application, compliance pathway, or Land & Environment Court appeal. Our advice is commercially focused and practical.
3
Effective Implementation & Advocacy
We implement our strategy with precision and expertise, which may include drafting applications, negotiating with councils, or advocating for you in the Land & Environment Court.
4
Securing Approvals & Achieving Outcomes
We aim for the best outcome for your project, whether securing consent or winning an appeal. We manage your matter proactively and provide support for success.
Rated 5-Star By Our Clients
Why Choose Our Planning & Environment Lawyers
Unmatched Planning & Environment Experience
With decades of focused experience, our team has assisted developers, local councils, and landowners in complex matters before the NSW Land and Environment Court and other key planning authorities.
Strategic & Commercial Advice
We offer clear, practical advice focused on your project’s objectives, helping you navigate complex planning schemes and environmental regulations to make informed, strategic decisions for project success.
Effective Approval & Dispute Solutions
We offer solutions for securing development approvals, ensuring compliance, and resolving disputes in the Land & Environment Court to protect your project’s viability.
Dedicated Client Communication
We provide honest communication and treat every matter with personal care. You’ll always know your project’s legal status and feel supported and informed throughout the entire planning and approval process.
Meet Our Team - Sydney Construction & Building Lawyers
Expert Planning & Environment Law Services in Sydney & NSW
PBL Law Group is the premier provider of planning and environmental law services in Sydney and across New South Wales. Our team of highly experienced planning and environment lawyers offers comprehensive legal solutions for a wide range of matters related to land use, development, and environmental protection.
With over 50 years of combined expertise, we are trusted advisors in navigating the intricate web of planning and environment regulations in NSW. Our deep understanding of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW), the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW), and the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW) allows us to provide tailored, strategic guidance to clients across various sectors.
Comprehensive Expertise for Your Planning & Environmental Law Needs
Whether you are a government entity, council, or private client, our planning and environment team is well-equipped to assist you with a wide range of services, including development approvals, environmental impact assessments, rezoning applications, compulsory acquisitions, and planning and environment court disputes.
With a proven track record of success and a commitment to transparent and efficient service delivery, PBL Law Group is the ideal partner for all your planning and environmental law needs in NSW.
Speak to us Now or Request a Consultation.
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FAQs about NSW Planning & Environment Law
My DA has been 'deemed refused' by Council; what are my options?
If your DA is ‘deemed refused,’ you have the right to appeal the decision to the Land and Environment Court (LEC). This is a “merits review” where the Court re-exercises the council’s administrative function to determine whether to grant consent.
What are the most common reasons for a DA being rejected in NSW?
The most common reasons for a DA rejection in NSW are non-compliance with planning controls, inadequate documentation, and concerns about the project’s impact on neighbouring properties. Procedural errors, such as illegible forms or unpaid fees, are also a major cause of rejection.
Can I modify my approved DA, and what is a Section 4.55 application?
Yes, you can modify an approved DA through a Section 4.55 application, which is a legal mechanism provided under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW). This process is used for changes like correcting a minor error, making adjustments with minimal environmental impact, or other more substantial but non-fundamental changes.
What does 'substantially the same development' mean for a Section 4.55 modification?
“Substantially the same development” is the central legal test for a Section 4.55 modification, meaning the modified development must not be fundamentally different from the original consent. Common examples of such changes include reconfiguring internal room layouts, relocating windows, or making modest increases to building height or floor area.
What are the legal steps to appeal a DA refusal to the Land and Environment Court?
The legal process to appeal a DA refusal involves lodging a Class 1 appeal with the Land and Environment Court of NSW within six months of the council’s decision. The process includes filing a Class 1 Application Form and typically involves directions hearings and conciliation conferences to attempt a negotiated settlement.
What is a conciliation conference, and can it resolve my DA dispute without a full hearing?
A conciliation conference is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that the Land and Environment Court (LEC) actively encourages to resolve disputes efficiently and cost-effectively. Yes, it can resolve your dispute, as 77% of Class 1 appeals in 2022 were finalized through ADR and negotiated settlements, avoiding the need for a formal court hearing.
I've received a Council order or clean-up notice; what are my legal obligations?
Your legal obligations upon receiving a council order are significant and must be addressed immediately, as an order is a legally binding document directing you to take specific action to remedy non-compliance. It is critical to seek legal advice to understand the order’s scope and your options, which may include appealing the order to the Land and Environment Court.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with a Council order, and can they be appealed?
Failure to comply with a council order can result in severe penalties, including fines or prosecution in court, while court orders can lead to criminal and civil actions like imprisonment or property sequestration. Yes, a council order can be appealed to the Land and Environment Court, which has the power to uphold, modify, or set it aside.
What is the legal process for rezoning land in NSW, and what if my planning proposal is refused?
The legal process for rezoning land in NSW is a formal process that amends planning controls and is initiated by submitting a Planning Proposal to the local council. If the proposal is refused after a “Gateway Determination” by the Department of Planning, you can review the reasons for refusal and seek professional advice to resubmit or appeal the decision.
What legal recourse do I have for serious building defects in my new property?
Legal recourse for serious building defects is available and may involve litigation against the builder, developer, or other responsible parties. It is crucial to seek legal guidance to understand your full range of options, as a recent survey found over 50% of new buildings in NSW had serious defects.
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