Sydney's trusted planning lawyer.

Whiteacre Legal are experts in planning and environment law and property law, guiding clients through complex processes to unlock the true value of their assets. With over 20 years of experience achieving successful outcomes, Whiteacre Legal are a trusted, strategic partner in the property development sector.


We provide professional advice and representation for planning, development and land law issues including development applications and appeals, structuring and title advice, due diligence, general planning and land law advice, enforcement matters and compulsory land acquisition.

Progress the process with Whiteacre Legal's planning law expertise.

Whiteacre Legal, a boutique law firm in Sydney, is your strategic partner specialising in planning and property law matters. As experienced planning lawyers, we have an intricate understanding of the property development process and planning and environment law. With a dedicated focus in navigating complex property development journeys, Whiteacre Legal excel in projects that have lost momentum in the planning and approvals process.

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This is a paragraph. Writing in paragraphs lets visitors find what they are looking for quickly and easily.

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Planning Law Advice

Voluntary Planning Agreements and Contributions

Development Advice and Due Diligence

Easements and Covenants

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This is a paragraph. Writing in paragraphs lets visitors find what they are looking for quickly and easily.

This is a paragraph. Writing in paragraphs lets visitors find what they are looking for quickly and easily.

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Land and Environment Court Appeals

Development Control Orders and Enforcement

Title Restructuring

Strata and Community Title Legislation

From complexity to consent.

Progress matters.

Legal services provided by Whiteacre Legal in Wollongong.

Whiteacre Legal offers expert and practical planning, environmental and property law services. As a leading planning lawyer, we specialise in matters involving land zoning changes, development approvals, interpretation of planning schemes and legislation, environmental compliance and assessments.


We work tirelessly to progress our clients through complex planning processes and unlock the true value of their assets. Whether it's navigating stalled development applications, negotiating agreements with Council, or pursuing planning appeals in the Land and Environment Court, we are committed to delivering high-value outcomes. 

Planning and Environmental Law

Is your development application stuck or facing delays? Do you need help drafting a voluntary planning agreement? Are you facing complex planning and environmental litigation? When you need sound planning law advice, ask Whiteacre Legal. 


We thrive on unravelling the complexities of planning matters, especially those that have lost momentum in the planning and approvals process. As experienced property and planning lawyers, our extensive understanding of the legal barriers within the NSW planning system drives our success. At Whiteacre Legal, we combine this intricate knowledge with practical strategies and critical thinking to find viable legal solutions.

Property Law

Whiteacre Legal is your dedicated property lawyer with hard-earned expertise across all types of property law matters. Whether it's understanding or removing covenants and easements on your title, structuring for property development, resolving issues with neighbouring land or  conveyancing or leases, Whiteacre can assist. 


Whiteacre specialises in unlocking the true value of property assets, and ensuring you are well-informed and strategically positioned. We help both private clients and local councils achieve high-value outcomes. 

Conveyancing

Your trusted experts in property conveyancing. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with comprehensive guidance throughout the legal process, whether you're buying or selling a property. We recognise that property transactions can be overwhelming, but rest assured, our years of experience will ensure a seamless and stress-free experience for you.


From thorough contract reviews to meticulous title searches, you can trust Whiteacre Legal to handle all your conveyancing needs. Let us help make your property journey a breeze.

Our work.

Whiteacre Legal has had the privilege to work on planning and environmental law and property law matters for private, commercial, government and institutional clients across a diverse range of sectors. 

Environment

Guided a state government infrastructure provider on the acquisition and retirement of biodiversity credits under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Property

Enabled the redevelopment of Union Court and construction of student residence at Australian National University, Canberra, with a total development cost of $160m.

Government

Conducted local court prosecutions for various environmental offences including dumping, development without consent and clearing of native vegetation.

Property

Advised large regional aged care providers regarding acquisition of $20m aged care site following royal commission. 

Environment

Advised and represented a local council in the successful resolution of criminal proceedings regarding significant illegal clearing of native vegetation. 

Property

Oversaw a $58m joint venture acquisition and development of mixed-use, 80 unit development in Burwood, NSW. Total development cost of $90m. 

Environment

Guided a state government infrastructure provider on the acquisition and retirement of biodiversity credits under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Property

Enabled the redevelopment of Union Court and construction of student residence at Australian National University, Canberra, with a total development cost of $160m.

Our expertise.

At Whiteacre Legal, we have a history of delivering transformative outcomes. Our expertise in the space allows us to quickly assess and advise on matters, while ensuring our clients achieve their desired outcome.

By Mark Evans 28 Mar, 2024
What is qualified title? Before the introduction of Torrens title in NSW, all land was either Crown land or Old System land. Old System was a cumbersome system in which you had to show an unbroken chain of ownership all the way back to the original grant before you could transfer ownership of Old System land. The Torrens title introduction of the Torrens Register changed all this. When Old System title is converted into Torrens title (either by registration of a deed or a plan) and recorded on the Torrens Register, sometimes the Registrar General will record a “Caution” on the title. All Qualified titles carry a caution notification in the Second Schedule pursuant to s28J(1), s28J(1A), or s28J(1B) Real Property Act 1900 warning any person having an interest in or dealing with the land that subsisting interests not recorded on the Qualified folio of the Register may exist. The type of caution depends on the circumstances of conversion and has no affect on dealings lodged. This means that there may be unregistered interests in the land that may not show up on the title, for example an unregistered easement or lease. A caution can be removed from the title, hence converting the qualified title into a full Torrens title in a number of methods. The method chosen will depend on how long you have owned the land. What is limited title? Where the boundaries of Old System land are not properly defined, the Real Property Act 1900 allows for conversion from Old System title to a Limited folio of the Torrens Register. A Limited folio may be created and a notification is recorded in the Second Schedule of the folio of the Register: where the title is also Qualified: 'Limited Title. Limitation pursuant to s28T(4) of the Real Property Act 1900 . The Boundaries Of The Land Comprised Herein Have Not Been Investigated By The Registrar General' or where the title is not Qualified: 'Limited Title. Limitation pursuant to s28T(1A) of the Real Property Act 1900 . The Boundaries Of The Land Comprised Herein Are Not Sufficiently Defined To Enable The Creation Of An Ordinary Folio Of The Register'. The limitation has no effect on the registration of dealings and may be removed by lodgment of a plan of survey. Note A folio may be both Limited and Qualified. Require further assistance? We have assisted many landowners remove this caution from the title to their land. If you require advice or assistance with qualified title or limited title, we can help you understand the limitations on your title and provide advice about what you can do about it.
By Mark Evans 21 Mar, 2024
An introduction to the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme for landowners
By Mark Evans 14 Mar, 2024
If your development application (DA) has been sitting with Council for a long time (deemed refusal) or has actually been refused (actual refusal) this article can help you understand your options, the process involved and how you can navigate the planning process more effectively.
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Working with Whiteacre.

To ensure that Whiteacre Legal can value-add, we are selective in the matters we take on. It is our commitment to only engage in matters and projects in which we can add value and there is a clear and viable benefit for our clients. 


We encourage all of our clients to start with an initial consultation, during which we will research and assess your matter. Following the consultation, Whiteacre will provide you with a clear recommendation and advice on how to progress your matter. 

1. Book consultation.

After booking a consultation with Whiteacre Legal, we will ask you to share more information on your matter to help us provide relevant and valuable advice when we meet. 


2. Commence work.

When you decide to proceed, we put our advice into action. This may involve guiding you through the legal components of the property development process, managing land transactions, or representing you in court proceedings. Our goal is to resolve your matter promptly and with the highest-value outcomes possible.

3. Prepare.

Whiteacre provides comprehensive support, including due diligence for your project and preparation of your development application. Whiteacre excels in progressing development applications and gaining consents. 


4. Representation.

When necessary, Whiteacre’s planning lawyers will represent your interests at tribunal, panel and court hearings. We dive deep into every case with dedication and tenacity, only taking matters to court when every other legal avenue has been explored.


5. Support.

Whiteacre is dedicated to providing expert advice and unwavering representation throughout the process, ensuring the seamless progression of your project.

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