Sky Planning is an award-winning town planning consultancy helping clients navigate complex planning processes — with clear advice, reliable delivery, and genuine care for community outcomes.
We believe town planning represents a well-considered change — one that can positively impact how we experience places and spaces.
Sky Planning is an award-winning NSW planning consultancy providing comprehensive planning advice, development applications, and community engagement services. We're known for calm, clear guidance and solutions grounded in real-world experience.
A commitment to good planning — one that delivers beyond expectations — lies at the heart of everything we do. We help clients navigate complex planning processes while delivering projects that create positive impacts on places and communities.
— Melissa Neighbour, Director & FounderSupporting clients across planning, development, and approvals with expert advice tailored to your project needs.
Expert planning advice for strata schemes navigating building defects, remedial works, and owner corporation planning obligations across NSW.
Learn more →Development applications, complying development certificates, subdivision, and pre-purchase planning advice for residential projects of all scales.
Learn more →Planning approvals for converting buildings to new uses — from hospitality and retail to creative industries and mixed-use developments.
Learn more →Planning proposals, rezonings, environmental impact assessments, and strategic advice for complex or sensitive development projects.
Learn more →Expert planning evidence, objections, expert witness support, and Clause 4.6 planning submissions for legal and appeals proceedings.
Learn more →Strategic stakeholder engagement, consultation strategy, communication planning, and community relationship building for major projects.
Learn more →It has been an absolute pleasure working with Sky. Thank you for going above and beyond to help us with our commercial operation in Manly. Looking forward to working with you on our next project.
Melissa has been a lifesaver on a very last minute DA Application for a TV shoot. Melissa and her team worked tirelessly to get everything lodged in a very short timeframe — very responsive and made the process very easy. I would highly recommend Sky Planning.
Mel and the team at Sky have been amazing to deal with. They always catered for what we requested — going above and beyond to make sure we're happy. Sending emails on a Sunday, getting back at all hours. Great team and a great work ethic.
One call is all it took to have Melissa Neighbour as our Town Planner. I didn't regret anything — she organised everything, smooth sailing. Sincerest thanks for dealing with the architects and Northern Beaches Council.
Exemplary service and expertise from Sky Planning. We felt supported and informed at every stage. Highly professional and genuinely easy to work with from start to finish.
All reviews are genuine and posted on Google. Sky Planning is proud of its consistent 5-star rating built on real client outcomes.
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Change of use approval for the iconic Deus café, retail and motorcycle showroom — navigating heritage controls to deliver a landmark creative precinct.
Maximising site yield through dual occupancy approval while meeting design quality standards under local planning controls.
REF and statutory approvals for public park upgrade works in Ashfield.
Heritage property assessment and commercial use approvals for large-scale TV production across a significant rural estate.
Helping home owners unlock the potential of their property and create the home they've always imagined.
Heritage-sensitive conversion of an industrial warehouse into a craft distillery and hospitality venue — balancing adaptive reuse, licensing and community amenity.
Expert-led training that translates complex NSW planning policy into clear, actionable understanding. Programs run in partnership with SCA NSW and URPEC — delivering CPD-accredited sessions for strata, development and government professionals.
Led by Melissa Neighbour — 20+ years of industry experience, Certificate IV in Training & Assessment, and former lecturer at the University of Sydney Faculty of Engineering.
For strata managers — CPD accredited via SCA NSW · 90 min · $250+GST
For developers, planners & policy advisors · 45 min · From $2,000+GST
Foundational DA training delivered via URPEC · Bookings through URPEC platform
Experienced, approachable professionals committed to delivering the best outcome for your project.
Bachelor of Environmental Planning (Hons) + Diploma in Project Management. Over 20 years in the planning and property industry.
An accomplished professional with a strong academic background and extensive hands-on experience in the NSW planning industry.
Graduate of Macquarie University's Bachelor of Planning. Sharp analytical thinking with a strong grounding in urban policy and development.
Whether you're at the early concept stage or need urgent planning advice, we're ready to help.