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

Compatibility with 'desired future character' requires response to local context, not mere numerical compliance with development standards

9 September 2026 | 5min

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.

Oliver Ticehurst
Law Graduate

Oliver Ticehurst
Law Graduate
Sparke Helmore Lawyers
t: +61 2 9260 2601

Compatibility with 'desired future character' requires response to local context, not mere numerical compliance with development standards

This case is an excellent reminder that compatibility with 'desired future character' goes beyond mere compliance.

Commentary, updates, insights

What happens when a development is mischaracterised in a DA?

30 July 2026 | 3min
In this recent judgment, the Land and Environment Court found that a development can only be properly characterised as an 'attached dwelling' where each unit is on its own Torrens title lot.

Improvements to Development Assessment: State Government's proposed changes open for consultation

22 July 2026 | 3min
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure is proposing a number of administrative changes to assist in the assessment of development applications.

Case note - Conway v Leeroy Property Investments Pty Ltd

14 July 2026 | 4min
Tweed Shire Council approved Development Application DA 20/2021, which authorised the demolition of existing structures, and the construction of a new 2-storey dwelling. The neighbour commenced proceedings in the Land and Environment Court.

Mediation in the Land and Environment Court

14 July 2026 | 4min
Recently, we have seen the Land and Environment Court order parties to participate in a mediation (prior to and in addition to, any conciliation conference in the s 34AA stream).

Can a DCP be considered when determining desired future character?

8 July 2026 | 3min
This matter involved a Class 1 appeal against Mosman Council's deemed refusal of a development application.

Update – Interesting Land and Environment Court cases

11 May 2026 | 4min
Three interesting cases have recently been handed down by the Land and Environment Court, covering planning issues that are always first at mind with councils and developers alike.

Planning alert - Climate Change & Natural Hazards: a new SEPP

20 February 2026 | 3min
On 17 February 2026, the NSW Government commenced the exhibition of a new Climate Change and Natural Hazards State Environmental Planning Policy.

Planning alert - Establishment of the Development Coordination Authority

3 February 2026 | 3min
On Thursday 11 December 2025 the Development Coordination Authority formally commenced.

Sydney Environment & Planning articles

Contacts

Alan McKelvey
Partner
t: +61 2 4924 7309+61 2 4924 7309
m: +61 410 459 853+61 410 459 853
o: Newcastle

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

Naomi Simmons
Partner
t: +61 2 4924 7325+61 2 4924 7325
m: +61 410 415 416+61 410 415 416
o: Newcastle