Keller and Keller v Blacktown City Council [2023] NSWLEC 133

Land and Environment Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Keller and Keller v Blacktown City Council [2023] NSWLEC 133 Hearing dates: 31 July – 2 August and 14 August 2023 Date of orders: 30 November 2023 Decision date: 30 November 2023 Jurisdiction: Class 3 Before: Robson J Decision: See orders at [142] Catchwords: COMPULSORY ACQUISITION — Assessment of amount of compensation owed under ss 55(a) and (d) of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 (NSW) — Characterisation of public purpose — Whether zoning is a consequence of public purpose and is to be disregarded — Rezoning for residential use likely absent public purpose — Highest and best use as a two-lot development — Determination of market value — Preference for valuation evidence contemporaneous to the date of acquisition Legislation Cited: Blacktown City Council Growth Centre Precincts Development Control Plan 2010 Blacktown Local Environmental Plan 1988 Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 (NSW), cl 276 Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 (NSW), ss 54, 55, 56, 66 Land and Environment Court Act 1979 (NSW), s 37 State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Region Growth Centres) 2006, cl 19, Appendix 4 State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Region Growth Centres) Amendment (Alex Avenue and Riverstone Precincts) 2010 Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (NSW), s 126G Cases Cited: Apokis v Transport for NSW (2020) 101 NSWLR 844; [2020] NSWCA 39 ISPT Pty Ltd v Valuer General [2009] NSWCA 31; (2009) 165 LGERA 25 Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales v Perry (2001) 52 NSWLR 222; [2001] NSWCA 251 Spencer v The Commonwealth of Australia (1907) 5 CLR 418; [1907] HCA 82 Walker Corporation Pty Ltd v Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (2008) 233 CLR 259; [2008] HCA 5 Category: Principal judgment Parties: David Rolland Keller (First Applicant) Kristofer Daniel Keller (Second Applicant) Blacktown City Council (Respondent) Representation: Counsel: F Ashworth (Applicants) M J Astill (Respondent)