LAWS 3055 Planning and Environment Law

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 200647

Coordinator Peter Holt Opens in new window

Description This subject seeks to achieve a balance among theory, policy and practical issues in its approach, and it incorporates a strong interdisciplinary component in the introductory phase. It examines the planning laws in the state of New South Wales. Topics covered include an analysis of the functions of the relevant ministers, State government departments, and local councils; the role of public agencies; the effect of environmental planning instruments; and the impact of the planning system.

School Law

Discipline Business and Commercial Law

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Pre-requisite(s) LAWS 1006 OR
LAWS 1003

Equivalent Subjects LGYB 0303 - Planning and Environment Law

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Apply understanding of statutory and common law principles to analysing and solving practical problems and theoretical legal issues in the area of Planning and Environment Law.
  2. Write effectively and appropriately, displaying clear and logical structure.
  3. Use quality, current and relevant information from primary and secondary sources.
  4. Ethically and accurately reference (using the Australian Guide to Legal Citation) legal information from a range of primary and secondary sources.
  5. Construct and critically evaluate arguments by reference to appropriate evidence, authority and alternative perspectives.

Subject Content

Introduction to planning and environmental law.
Land use planning.
Analysis of the functions of the Minister, Department of Planning, and local councils.
Role of public agencies, environmental planning instruments and environmental impact assessment.
Issues of enforcement, standing and environmental dispute resolution.
Environmental ethics, environmental principles and the formulation of environmental policy.
Development Control.
Environment protection legislation (Enforcement and Pollution Control).
Land and Environment Court.
Biodiversity.
Heritage conservation.
Water law.
Mining law.

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task Mandatory
Essay 2500 words 45 N Individual N
Final Exam 24 hours 45 N Individual N
Participation 80% attendance required 10 N Individual N

Prescribed Texts

  • Williams, Peter (ed), The Environmental Law Handbook: Planning and Use in NSW (Thomson Reuters, 6th ed, 2016)

Structures that include subject