Chris Drury

Partner

About Chris

Chris has more than 30 years' experience in local government, town planning and environmental law. He is an Accredited Specialist in Local Government & Planning Law and he is listed in the AFR's Best Lawyers in Australia in 2013 and more recently in 2019.

Expertise

Planning, Environment & Local Government

What he does

Chris advises clients on applications (and defences to such applications) under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, compulsory acquisition of land, drafting conditions of development consent, fire safety orders, heritage issues and issues arising under the Ombudsman Act 1974 (NSW), the Independent Commission against Corruption Act 1988 (NSW) and the Roads Act 1993 (NSW).

Chris also advises on land and environment court litigation, including judicial review, merit appeals, environmental offences and Class 3 appeals relating to both claims for compensation and valuation disputes, planning appeals relating to hotels and licensed premises, privacy, section 94 contributions and planning agreements, and waste disposal, water and sewerage issues.

Who he works with

Chris works with a number of state and local government authorities.

Work done recently

Woolooware Bay Town Centre - Cronulla Leagues Club project
Our Property and Construction, Projects & Infrastructure teams advised Bluestone Capital Ventures on all aspects of the transaction.

What his clients say

Chris has been acknowledged as a leading Planning & Environmental lawyer in AFR's Best Lawyers 2018.

Listed: Recommended Leading Planning & Development Lawyer - NSW - Doyle's Guide 2017

Listed: Preeminent Planning & Environment Lawyer - Sydney - Doyle's Guide 2015

Listed: Leading NSW Planning & Environment Lawyer - Doyle's Guide 2014/2013

Qualifications

Chris has a Bachelor of Laws and is a NSW Law Society Accredited Specialist in Local Government and Planning Law.

Life before Sparkes

Before joining Sparke Helmore, Chris worked at DLA Phillips Fox.