Local Government, Planning & Environmental Law

Our expertise includes providing advice and representation in respect of:

• Development applications and appeals to the Land and Environment Court under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
• Interpretation of Planning Instruments and advising on the permissibility of development
• Drafting and negotiation of Planning Agreements under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
• Compulsory acquisition of land, claims for compensation and appeals to the Land and Environment Court under the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991
• Proceedings relating to unauthorised or unlawful development
• Prosecutions in the Local Court and Land and Environment Court for offences under the various planning, environmental and local government laws in NSW
• Appeals in relation to environment protection notices and other notices under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997
• Development Control Orders and appeals to the Land and Environment Court
• Appeals to the Land and Environment Court relating to Building Information Certificates
• Valuation of land and appeals to the Land and Environment Court under the Valuation of Land Act 1916
• Rating of land and appeals to the Land and Environment Court under the Local Government Act 1993
• Local government governance and probity issues including representation at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)
• Privacy and Public Access to Government Information including representation at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT)
• Applications and appeals under the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006 in relation to trees that cause or are likely to cause damage or injury and hedges that obstruct sunlight and views
• Appeals under the Heritage Act 1977 in relation to interim heritage orders
• Appeals under the Swimming Pools Act 1992 in relation to directions and exemptions
• Council contracts and requirements for tendering and procurement

The Partners

Adam Seton: Adam is a highly experienced solicitor with a deep understanding of Local Government, Planning, and Environmental Law. He has appeared as the solicitor-advocate for clients in more than 1000 cases in the Land and Environment Court and is recognised as a preeminent Town Planning and Development Lawyer in the Doyles Guide. Adam has a strong track record of successfully representing clients in complex legal matters including Congarinni North Pty Ltd v Nambucca Valley Council [2024] NSWLEC 114; Skermanic Pty Limited v Blue Mountains City Council [2024] NSWLEC 1031; Denwol Suffolk Pty Ltd v Byron Shire Council [2023] NSWLEC 1602; and Dugandzic v Randwick City Council [2023] NSWLEC 1319.

David Baird: David brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team, specialising in regulatory compliance and enforcement of planning and environmental laws, reviews of administrative decisions as well as compulsory acquisition and valuation of land. His practical approach and dedication to client service make him a valuable asset to the department. He has successfully handled cases such as The Hills Shire Council v Needham (No.2) [2018] NSWLEC 98; S.M & G.I Pty Ltd v The Hills Shire Council [2024] NSWLEC 1746; Seek Justice Pty Ltd v State of NSW and Blue Mountains City Council [2024] NSWSC 1410; and Kudrynski v Orange City Council [2024] NSWCA 33.

Peta Hudson: Peta has extensive experience in town planning and development law and appeals in the Land and Environment Court. Her strategic insights and thorough understanding of the legal landscape have earned her recognition in the legal community including in the Doyles Guide as a leading Town Planning and Development Lawyer. She has been involved in significant cases such as Dahua Group Sydney Project 6 Pty Ltd v Shellharbour City Council [2024] NSWLEC 1814; PC Infrastructure Pty Ltd v Wentworth Shire Council [2024] NSWLEC 1139; and Iris Hotels Casula Property Pty Ltd v Liverpool City Council [2022] NSWLEC 1520.

Jisella Corradini-Bird: Jisella is known for her expertise in planning and development appeals and is an elected Committee member of the Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW. She has successfully represented numerous clients in the Land and Environment Court and is committed to providing high-quality legal advice and representation. Her notable cases include K Capital Pty Ltd v City of Parramatta Council [2019] NSWLEC 1292 involving the heritage listed Roxy Theatre; Woolworths Limited v Randwick City Council [2017] NSWCA 179; and McCloy Project Management Pty Ltd v Lismore City Council [2023] NSWLEC 1371.

For more information about our Local Government, Planning and Environmental Law services, please contact Adam Seton, David Baird, Peta Hudson or Jisella Corradini-Bird.