Looking to build a new home? Or to add an extension to your business? Often, it’s not the manual labour that’s the hard work, but knowing where to start with the planning laws and regulations. At Northcote Lawyers, we have the knowledge and expertise to navigate the complex web encompassing all levels of regulation – from Commonwealth to local government.
We offer a complete end-to-end service and can advise you on all manner of planning issues associated with your development project, including:
- Development applications and development consents, including staged development applications, concept plans and master plans
- Reviews of development application determinations and applications to modify development consents
- Certificates of compliance
- Existing use rights
- Rezoning applications
- Objections to rezoning applications, development applications and environmental impact statements
- Residential, industrial and commercial subdivision and development
- Drafting and interpretation of environmental planning instruments, precinct plans, development control plans, contributions plans and other statutory planning controls
- Heritage protection
- Rating, valuation and compulsory acquisition of land, including just terms compensation
- Planning and Environment Act 1987, the Planning and Environment Regulations 2005 and the Planning and Environment (fees) Regulations 2000
- Environmental Protection Authority court litigation
- Environmental impact assessment
We work collaboratively with the local government and other key public members to help you get the most effective outcome for your needs.
Planning disputes
If you are involved in a planning dispute, litigation (and ultimately a hearing) is not always the best path to follow. The path we take is dependent on your case and what will aid us to reach the optimum solution for you. Where possible, we try to use negotiation or mediation to resolve the dispute and achieve your objectives. However, if the matter cannot be resolved in this way, we can provide advice and appear for you in proceedings in the Land and Environment Court.
If you have a planning and development matter that requires legal help, please get in touch with us. Your initial consultation is free of charge, so even if you just want some advice on the best next steps to take, we’re here to help.