Can I appeal a council refusal?

Usually, yes, to the state planning court or tribunal, within strict time limits.

Lawyer or conveyancer?

For a straightforward residential purchase or sale, a licensed conveyancer is usually enough. Use a solicitor if the property is unusual, the contract has non-standard terms, or there is a dispute or estate involved.

When should I get the contract checked?

Before you sign or bid at auction. Once contracts are exchanged or you've bought at auction, your ability to withdraw is limited.

Planning & Environment lawyers in Australia | Lawyers Directory Australia

What to discuss at the first meeting

Provide the property address, proposed use and any council or agency decision. Planning advice should identify the actual application, approval or enforcement issue rather than assume all land can be used the same way.

Ask about applicable objection or review dates before relying on informal discussions.

How the engagement may progress

Provide the address, parties and current contract or notice. Explain whether anything has been signed and identify every agreed date.
Ask which terms, searches and ownership questions will be reviewed. Explain finance, proposed use and any linked transaction.
Agree who communicates with agents, lenders and the other side. Confirm how documents are approved and what happens if the matter is delayed or disputed.

Fees and the scope of work

Separate legal fees from searches, registration, taxes and third-party expenses. Complex ownership, negotiations or a dispute may fall outside an advertised conveyancing price.

Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.

Dates to raise at first contact

Seek review before signing where possible. Ask about the actual dates in your documents; cooling-off and completion arrangements differ across states and transactions.

Questions to ask a planning & environment adviser

What decision or approval is being assessed?
Is a planner or other expert also needed?
What is included and what counts as extra work?
Have you handled this kind of transaction or dispute?
What must be decided before signing or the next scheduled date?

Planning & Environment lawyers

Why planning & environment matters

The Australian context

Planning & Environment lawyers near you

1,182 planning & environment firms

Tohme Lawyers

Your Estate Lawyer

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Shipton & Associates

DLH Solicitors

Pacific Law

Gamble Law & Estate Planning

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Border Conveyancing Services

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Sydney Property Conveyancing Lawyers

Tolhurst Druce & Emmerson

Advanced Conveyancing & Developments Randwick

Stewart Burr and Mayr Lawyers Caboolture

Avid Law

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Narooma Law

Arthur Browne & Associates

Benchmark Lawyers

Paula Sutherland & Associates Lawyers

A practical guide to planning & environment

What to discuss at the first meeting

How the engagement may progress

Fees and the scope of work

Dates to raise at first contact

Questions to ask a planning & environment adviser

Frequently asked questions

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