In the Zone :: Sparke Helmore

Welcome to the In the Zone quarterly update repository, your online resource for information and insights about planning, the environment and local government.

If you have any questions arising from issues covered in our updates, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of the team.

19 articles available. Showing 1 - 10.

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22 July 2026 | In the Zone - July 2026

We cover significant NSW court decisions and legislative updates from the past three months. Issues: Cropping structures characterised for a purpose permissible without development consent, rather than as 'farm buildings'; Court makes landmark decision after illegal logging by NSW Forestry Corporation; Expert evidence in judicial review proceedings: Court of Appeal dismisses objector's judicial review of Commissioner's determination to uphold appeal following section 34 agreement; VPA rights may be compensable in NSW compulsory acquisition; Recission of land sale contract because of vendor's innocent misrepresentation about impact of adjoining development on ocean views.

2 April 2026 | In the Zone - April 2026

We cover significant NSW court decisions and legislative updates from the past three months. Issues: North Lismore Plateau housing estate refused because of inadequate cultural heritage assessment; Objector appeal against Independent Planning Commission approval for state significant development dismissed; Chief Judge examines the difference between administrative and judicial functions of the Land and Environment Court; Court criticises Council's approach to Class 1 proceedings, where it raised 41 contentions, as a 'scattergun' approach; Court considers time period allowable for consent authority to review a refusal decision; McArthur River Mine decision on payment of native title compensation.

20 February 2026 | Planning alert - Climate Change & Natural Hazards: a new SEPP

On 17 February 2026, the NSW Government commenced the exhibition of a new Climate Change and Natural Hazards State Environmental Planning Policy.

3 February 2026 | Planning alert - Establishment of the Development Coordination Authority

On Thursday 11 December 2025 the Development Coordination Authority formally commenced.

16 December 2025 | In the Zone - December 2025

We cover significant NSW court decisions and legislative updates from the past three months. Issues: Applications for joinder, Failure to consider Aboriginal cultural heritage under the Western Sydney Aerotropolis Precinct Plan, Clause 4.1E supports minor boundary adjustments, not the extinguishing and redesign of lots through re-subdivision, Assessment of biodiversity impacts no longer exclusive to the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms Act) 2025, Cth Environment Protection Reform Act 2025, New Class 9 LEC jurisdiction for councillor misconduct and public interest proceedings, Challenges to Woodside's North West Shelf extension, Court orders action to protect threatened species,, and Appeal filed in landmark climate change class action.

21 November 2025 | Passed - New NSW planning laws aim to speed up housing

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025 was passed by the Parliament on 11 November 2025.

21 October 2025 | New NSW Planning Reforms – Part 5 – Part 5 of the EPA Act and Infrastructure

In our final article we delve deeper into the proposed amendments to the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, with a particular focus on the proposed changes to Part 5 of the Act.

20 October 2025 | New NSW Planning Reforms – Part 4 – Standardisation & Efficiency

In this article we delve deeper into the proposed amendments to the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, with a particular focus on the changes that are aimed at standardisation and efficiency.

17 October 2025 | New NSW Planning Reforms – Part 3 – Development Assessment

In this article we delve deeper into the proposed amendments to the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, with a particular focus on the changes related to development assessment.

16 October 2025 | New NSW Planning Reforms – Part 2 – Administration and Planning Authorities

In this article we delve deeper into the proposed amendments to the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

19 articles available. Showing 1 - 10.

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