Expertise

Planning Law - Environmental Law - Regulatory Services

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT LAWYERS SHELLHARBOUR

Trusted Planning & Environmental Lawyers

At Kells, we provide clear and reliable advice for local government, planning, and environmental matters in Shellharbour, supporting both public and private sector clients.

Extensive Industry Experience

With more than 40 years of experience acting for local councils and state authorities, our lawyers have a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, decision-making processes, and operational requirements.

Everywhere You Need Us

With offices located in Shellharbour and throughout the Illawarra, we are readily available to offer our knowledge and experience to clients across New South Wales.

Bespoke Legal Services

We take the time to understand your circumstances and objectives so that we can provide solutions that are carefully aligned with your goals.

Here to Help

Finding planning approvals difficult to obtain? Concerned about meeting environmental obligations? Unsure how land-use rules affect your project? In Shellharbour, planning and environmental law is complex, shaped by shifting policies, council requirements, and state legislation that influence development, commercial activities, and government decisions.


At Kells, our team has the depth of experience to manage planning and environmental law matters in Shellharbour and across New South Wales. We work with both local government bodies and private landowners to keep their best interests protected. From development applications and land-use controls to compliance issues and appeals, our planning and environment lawyers provide practical solutions that meet regulatory standards while supporting your goals.

Local Government, Planning & Environment

Area of Expertise

How Can Our Planning & Environment Lawyers in Shellharbour Help?

At Kells, we provide comprehensive legal services to government bodies and private clients dealing with the complexities of planning and environmental law.

Our Shellharbour planning and environment team has significant experience with development applications, compliance requirements, environmental disputes, and land-use issues. We provide practical, outcome-focused solutions that help clients reduce exposure to risk while advancing their projects or responsibilities.


Because we have represented both public authorities and private developers, we understand the different approaches, priorities, and strategies that shape these matters. This perspective allows us to anticipate obstacles, manage challenges, and put forward strong legal arguments, whether we are advising Shellharbour City Council, assisting property developers, or acting for clients in regulatory disputes.

  • We regularly assist with:

    • Obtaining development consent under the EP&A Act
    • Due diligence and impact assessment
    • Environmental orders
    • Land-use regulation
    • Local Government liaison
    • Planning and Development approvals and appeals
    • Property development
    • Regulatory compliance and enforcement
    • Resumption in compensation.

    We also represent Councils and private clients in the Land & Environment Court, handling proceedings such as prosecutions, judicial reviews, and commissions of inquiry.

  • We frequently field the following questions from Council officers:

    • Are these consent conditions valid?
    • Can we refuse consent to this development application? How can we approve it?
    • What is the proper approach to consideration of development control plans?
    • What are the effects of multiple development consents and prior development consents over the same land?
    • Can we grant retrospective approval for unauthorised development? What is the relation with Building Certificates?

  • On the other side of that equation, many private landowners and developers ask:

    • Council is not processing my DA. What can I do?
    • Can I challenge some of the conditions of consent attached to my approval?
    • Council is prosecuting me regarding unauthorised structures on my land. What should I do?
    • What is the highest and best possible use for this land and how can I get approval for development?
    • How do biodiversity offsets work and do they apply to my land?
    • What planning constraints apply to my land?
    • My neighbour has applied for development approval. What are my rights?

These are only some of the matters we regularly handle in planning and environmental law. If you are based in Shellharbour or the surrounding region and require advice on a related issue, our team at Kells is ready to assist.

OUR TEAM

Our Expert Lawyers

Get Trusted Planning & Environment Law Advice in Shellharbour

If your project or organisation in Shellharbour requires advice on planning or environmental law, Kells’ experienced lawyers are ready to assist. Get in touch with us today to discuss your situation.

Speak to a Planning & Environmental Lawyer

We offer clear, practical advice to help clients resolve complex planning and regulatory challenges efficiently.

Local Government, Planning & Environment

Area of Expertise