Every matter overseen personally, first call to resolution
Claim values involved in, from $50,000 up to $50m
Response to enquiries received before 3pm
Appearing for applicants and objectors across New South Wales
Archer Lawyers acts in the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales for applicants whose development has been refused or approved on conditions they cannot work with, and for objectors opposing a development that has been approved.
The question almost everyone arrives with is the same: is this worth appealing, and how long do I have? The appeal period is short, and the answer turns on the reasons given in the determination rather than on how unreasonable the decision feels.
The Court is a NSW-only jurisdiction with its own practice. We have been involved in Class 1 merit appeals for residential, childcare and non-residential developments across Sydney, through section 34 conciliation conferences and on to hearing where conciliation does not resolve it.
We are a lean, hands-on firm. The person advising you is the person running your matter, from first instruction through to resolution.
Often, but not always — and the honest answer turns on the reasons given for refusal. Some refusals are best answered by an amended application or a section 4.55 modification rather than an appeal. Send us the notice of determination and we will tell you which, before you commit to the cost of running one.
Appeal periods in the Land and Environment Court are short and they run from the date of the determination, so this is the first thing to check. If you have a determination in hand, say so on the form and we will prioritise it.
Most Class 1 appeals go to a section 34 conciliation conference before they are heard. It is a genuine opportunity to resolve the matter, usually on site, with the Commissioner present. Going in with the evidence prepared is what makes the difference between resolving there and running a hearing.
Matthew has built his career across boutique, national and international law firms, and personally oversees every matter Archer takes on, from the first call through to resolution. Class 1 merit appeals in the Land and Environment Court are his bread and butter. He has acted in appeals for residential, childcare and non-residential developments across Sydney, for applicants and objectors alike, from conciliation through to hearing.
A childcare centre application was refused on traffic, acoustic and streetscape grounds after twelve months of assessment.
Consent was granted, but on conditions that made the project unviable — fewer units than applied for, and a restriction on operating hours.
A neighbour learned a development had been approved beside them and wanted to be heard properly rather than write letters.
— Class 1 merit appeals against a refusal, for residential, childcare and non-residential developments
— Appeals against conditions of consent, including deferred commencement conditions
— Deemed refusal appeals where a council has not determined the application in time
— Section 34 conciliation conferences, and preparing the evidence that resolves a matter there
— Appearing for objectors who want to be heard properly rather than in writing
— Advice on whether an appeal, an amended application or a section 4.55 modification is the better route
— A clear answer on whether an appeal is worth running, before the appeal period closes
— A properly evidenced case at conciliation, which is where most Class 1 appeals actually resolve
— Conditions remade so the project you were approved for is the project you can build
— An objector position put on the evidence, rather than as an argument about fairness
A refusal, a deemed refusal, or conditions that make the approved project unviable.
A residential application refused or conditioned, where the cost of an appeal has to be worth it.
A development approved near you, and the chance to be heard properly at conciliation.
Enforcement and compliance proceedings, and disputes about what your consent permits.
Free to start, and you'll know within days whether we can help.
A few details on the form below. We get back to you personally, the same day if we receive it before 3pm.
Free Case ReviewA plain-English conversation about your options. Free, no obligation, and if we don’t think you need a lawyer, we’ll say so.
If we take the matter on, our principal runs it personally through to resolution, not handed off to someone else.
Offices in Parramatta and Sydney, available for a conversation in person.
Phone and video consultations available at a time that works for you.
Tell us briefly what has happened. Our principal will personally review it and respond the same day if we receive it before 3pm. Appeal periods are short, so if you have a determination in hand please say so and we will prioritise it.
We respond personally. No call centre, no automated queue.
