Planning and Environment

Planning and environmental issues play a crucial role in the success of many projects and commercial transactions, especially as planning authorities at local, state and national levels strive to shape urban and regional landscapes.

Gadens has acted across every stage of the process from initial advice regarding the viability of a project through to preparing applications, representing clients across relevant courts, tribunals and panels, and dealing with all issues that may arise in the process of developing land and delivering infrastructure from site access and acquisition through to approval, compliance, enforcement and prosecution.

Recognised for our expertise and knowledge particularly in relation to policy and legislative advice, development and appeals, infrastructure charging, voluntary planning agreements and compulsory land acquisition, we take a commercial approach to our clients’ issues while managing regulatory risk, statutory processes and requirements.

Our proactive approach and early involvement in projects has been instrumental to achieving optimal planning and environmental outcomes and ensuring expedient planning approval and project delivery.

As trusted advisors to industry and government, we have a thorough understanding of the issues specific to planning, development, infrastructure and property ownership and as such, focus on providing practical and commercial advice to facilitate appropriate property development and planning and environment outcomes.

We often advise on complex environmental issues such as contamination, infrastructure charges and levies, coastal management, economic impact analysis, urban design, strategic planning, bush fire, licensed premises and threatened species assessments in addition to site acquisition, compulsory acquisition, rezoning panels, appeals, planning permit obligations, development taxes, native vegetation removal and environmental offsets and agreements.

We are known for designing and providing innovative, robust, practical and commercial solutions to complex problems and working with our clients to achieve their objectives and deliver desired outcomes. With a proven track record of success in delivering favourable outcomes for our clients, we are proud to be a trusted advisor and problem-solver for our clients.