Proven Expertise in NSW Planning
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Benchmark Lawyers provides comprehensive legal support across the entire project lifecycle - from initial due diligence and strategic scoping to construction, operation, and disposal.
Why Benchmark?
Multidisciplinary Insight: Our lawyers hold qualifications in law, architecture, and town planning, allowing us to solve problems that traditional legal teams miss.
Strategic Navigation: We balance policy, politics, and risk to anticipate decision-maker concerns and streamline the approval process.
Commercial Focus: We are pragmatic negotiators who focus only on the points worth pursuing to ensure your project stays on track.
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Development Applications – Class 1 Appeals: assist clients in resolving disputes about development applications in the NSW Land and Environment Court (Class 1 appeals).
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Rezoning and planning proposals: advise on the preparation, submission, and assessment of planning proposals to amend local planning instruments.
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Planning agreements (VPAs): Draft, negotiate, and review Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPAs) between developers and councils or state agencies.
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Environmental impact assessments: Advise on the preparation, review, and strategic use of Environmental Impact Assessments
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Litigation and dispute resolution: Provide strategic representation in planning and environmental disputes, helping clients resolve issues efficiently—whether through negotiation, mediation, or formal court proceedings.
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Work with real estate agents and developers in reviewing sites for development potential and identify risks.
Project Portfolio
Heritage – Successfully challenged an adverse D.A. ruling for a trophy home designed by Frederick Glynn Gilling (1877–1955). This prominent Sydney-based architect is celebrated for his luxurious residential designs during the interwar period and is considered a leading figure in the Mediterranean and Spanish Mission styles that came to define many of Sydney’s most affluent suburbs.
Mixed use Development – $170M+ in the Hunter region.
Land Subdivision – Currently assisting in the sale of a large Hills District subdivision.
Got a Site in Mind? Let’s Talk Strategy.
Secure an initial legal risk assessment before you lodge your next DA.