Legal Advice Often Requested by Local Councils

Council officers regularly seek our input on issues such as: What are council officers’ powers to investigate under the EP&A Act and how do we use them properly? We suspect this person is guilty of illegal dumping but how do we prove it? Should we even try and bring an action? Neighbours have complained that this landowner does not have consent for things they are building. Are the structures exempt? We can see clearly that new structures have been built but this owner claims existing use rights? How do existing use rights work and what is their limit? How do we prevent this landowner from demolishing a heritage building?

Common Questions Private Landowners Ask Us

Private landowners in Shellharbour and beyond often approach us with questions such as: Council is prosecuting me for illegal structures on my property, what can I do? I suspect my neighbour does not have development consent for the works they are doing. What can I do? I suspect the company next door is polluting. What can we do? Council is prosecuting me for breaching my development conditions. What should I do? My neighbour has planted trees that completely block my view. Can I do anything about it? How can I stop my neighbour’s tree from damaging my property? My neighbour wants me to contribute equally for the new fence. Do I have to?

Expertise

Appeals - Prosecutions - Enforcement of Laws

SPEAK WITH A LAND AND ENVIRONMENT COURT LAWYER IN SHELLHARBOUR

Call (02) 4295 8400

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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

Thinking about appealing an environmental law decision? Caught up in a planning dispute? Or facing a complex matter before the Land and Environment Court? Whether you are a government body, developer, or private client in Shellharbour, the team at Kells is ready to work with you. We provide the knowledge and strategies needed to address the challenges of environmental law and planning policy.

Call (02) 4295 8400

Request a Callback

Local Government, Planning & Environment

Area of Expertise

How Can Our Shellharbour Land & Environment Court Lawyers Help?

At Kells, our team assists with matters involving appeals, prosecutions, and the enforcement of planning laws.

We have extensive experience advising both local government and private clients in environmental law and policy, as well as representing them in the Land and Environment Court. Acting for both sides provides us with valuable insight into how these matters can be effectively managed and resolved.

Environmental law has become increasingly complex, particularly for councils in areas such as Shellharbour. We frequently assist local government with prosecutions under the:

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
Protection of the Environment (Operations) Act 1997
Local Government Act 1993.

Legal Advice Often Requested by Local Councils
Council officers regularly seek our input on issues such as:
- What are council officers’ powers to investigate under the EP&A Act and how do we use them properly?
- We suspect this person is guilty of illegal dumping but how do we prove it? Should we even try and bring an action?
- Neighbours have complained that this landowner does not have consent for things they are building. Are the structures exempt?
- We can see clearly that new structures have been built but this owner claims existing use rights? How do existing use rights work and what is their limit?
- How do we prevent this landowner from demolishing a heritage building?
Common Questions Private Landowners Ask Us
Private landowners in Shellharbour and beyond often approach us with questions such as:
- Council is prosecuting me for illegal structures on my property, what can I do?
- I suspect my neighbour does not have development consent for the works they are doing. What can I do?
- I suspect the company next door is polluting. What can we do?
- Council is prosecuting me for breaching my development conditions. What should I do?
- My neighbour has planted trees that completely block my view. Can I do anything about it?
- How can I stop my neighbour’s tree from damaging my property?
- My neighbour wants me to contribute equally for the new fence. Do I have to?

These are just some of the matters we address across planning and environmental law. If you have similar questions or need advice on a related issue in Shellharbour, contact our team at Kells to discuss your situation.