Expertise

Planning Law - Environmental Law - Regulatory Services

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT LAWYERS SYDNEY

Expert Planning & Environment Lawyers

Our lawyers are committed to providing the best legal advice and services for planning and environment law matters in Sydney and the Illawarra.

Extensive Industry Experience

With over 40 years of experience representing both local councils and state agencies, our lawyers have in-depth knowledge of their decision-making processes, regulatory frameworks, and operational priorities.

Everywhere You Need Us

With offices across Sydney and the Illawarra region, we make our collective knowledge, experience and expertise available to anyone in NSW who needs our legal expertise.

Bespoke Legal Services

We believe you're not just another client. That’s why we take the time to understand your specific needs and provide legal solutions that align with your goals.

Here to Help

Struggling with planning approvals? Uncertain about environmental compliance? Need guidance on land-use regulations? Planning and environmental law in Sydney is highly regulated, with shifting policies, council requirements, and state legislation that can impact development projects, businesses, and government decisions.


At Kells, we have the expertise to handle planning and environmental law matters in Sydney and across New South Wales. Whether you're a local government authority or private landowner, our planning and environment lawyers provide high-level legal support to protect your interests. From development consents and land-use regulations to environmental compliance and appeals, we deliver solutions that are practical and aligned with both regulatory requirements and your objectives.

Local Government, Planning & Environment

Area of Expertise

How Can Our Planning & Environment Lawyers in Sydney Help?

At Kells, we provide comprehensive legal advice and regulatory services to both government authorities and private clients facing planning and environmental law challenges.

Our Sydney planning and environment law team has extensive experience handling development applications, regulatory compliance, environmental disputes, and land-use matters. We help clients manage legal risks with practical, solutions-driven support.


Having acted for both public and private sector clients, we understand the legal, procedural, and strategic approaches used on both sides of planning and environmental matters. This valuable insight allows us to effectively anticipate challenges, manage risks, and present strong legal arguments, whether we are advising local councils, assisting developers, or representing clients in regulatory disputes.

  • We often advise clients on:

    • 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 both local government authorities and private clients in the Land & Environment Court, handling matters such as environmental 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 just a few of the common questions we address in planning and environmental law. If you need guidance on a similar issue or any other legal matter in this area, reach out to our team today.

OUR TEAM

Our Expert Lawyers

Get Expert Planning & Environment Law Advice in Sydney

If you need legal guidance on any aspect of planning and environmental law in Sydney, our experienced team at Kells is here to help. Contact us today for legal advice based on your specific needs and circumstances.

Local Government, Planning & Environment

Area of Expertise