Sydney Environment & Planning

Quality and consistency through collaboration

Sydney Environment & Planning

Environmental planning is the process of guiding decisions related to land development while taking into account the natural environment, as well as political, social, economic, and governance factors. This process provides a comprehensive framework aimed at ensuring sustainable long-term outcomes, with applicable legislation informing various aspects such as planning administration, planning instruments, the assessment of development applications, building certifications, appeals, and enforcement.

Through a series of environment and planning case studies, particularly focusing on examples from the Sydney Metropolitan area, we break down the complex laws and policies associated with the environment and planning regime in New South Wales.

Feature

Important Updates to AS4970–2025 Protection of Trees on Development Sites

6 August 2025 |

Leigh Simpkin
Senior Associate

Leigh Simpkin
Senior Associate
Sparke Helmore Lawyers
t: +61 2 9260 2465

Leigh is experienced in environmental law and policy. She has over 20 years experience in roles such as corporate inhouse counsel, and in government and NGO roles. She also has experience in planning and environment law and most recently has worked in mining and native roles.

Catherine Morton
Partner

Catherine Morton
Partner
Sparke Helmore Lawyers
t: +61 2 9373 1447

Catherine is qualified as both solicitor and architect and has had a range of experience in both professions. She has been employed as a planning law solicitor since 2005 and provides clients with an in-depth perspective on the nexus between planning law and architectural design.

Important Updates to AS4970–2025 Protection of Trees on Development Sites

On 30 May 2025, the Australian Standard for tree protection on development sites was updated, to supersede AS4970-2009.

Commentary, updates, insights

Pattern Book Development Code 2025 – Commencement

21 July 2025 |
The Pattern Book Development Code 2025 has commenced, which means that low-rise housing in the NSW Housing Pattern Book is eligible for a complying development pathway.

Case alert - Darley v City of Parramatta (No 2)

20 May 2025 |
This case revolves around the Council defending its decision regarding two separate applications for access to information by Councillor Darley.

Serious invasion of privacy – new tort

8 April 2025 |
The Commonwealth Parliament has recently passed legislation to create a statutory tort for serious invasion of privacy.

Congratulations to our Planning & Environment team

1 April 2025 |
Alan McKelvey, Catherine Morton, and David Gunter have been recognised in the latest announcements from Doyle's Guide.

POEO Act FOGO Regulation

18 March 2025 |
This month, the NSW government amended the POEO Act to mandate the source-separated collection of Food Organic and Garden Organic waste from households and food waste from businesses

Case alert - Mackenzie Architects International Pty Ltd v North Sydney Council

13 March 2025 |
Sparke Helmore represented North Sydney Council in defence of an appeal by Mackenzie Architects International Pty Ltd against the Council's deemed refusal of a development application.

Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy - Stage 2

25 February 2025 |
The NSW Government has released an update on Stage 2 of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy. Read about the changes and how they affect existing planning controls.

Case alert - D and L Smith v Camden Council

30 January 2025 |
Sparke Helmore successfully acted for the Council in two Class 1 matters.

Search Sydney Environment & Planning articles

Contacts

Catherine Morton
Partner
t: +61 2 9373 1447+61 2 9373 1447
m: +61 420 279 858+61 420 279 858
o: Sydney

Nick Ferguson
Special Counsel
t: +61 2 9260 2575+61 2 9260 2575
m: +61 455 157 144+61 455 157 144
o: Sydney

Leigh Simpkin
Senior Associate
t: +61 2 9260 2465+61 2 9260 2465
o: Sydney

In the Zone