Insights & Ideas

Town planning perspectives, policy updates, and community thinking from the Sky Planning team.

Sydney apartment building strata
3 June 2026 Melissa Neighbour
NSW Strata Reforms 2026: What Every Strata Committee Must Do Before December
The April 2026 strata law changes are now in effect — new capital works fund plan requirements, independent surveyor obligations, and embedded network disclosures. Here's what your committee needs to act on now.
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PIA Registered Planner
May 21, 2026 Melissa Neighbour
Melissa Neighbour Elevated to Registered Planner (RPIA)
Sky Planning Director Melissa Neighbour has been elevated to Registered Planner — the highest individual accreditation grade conferred by the Planning Institute of Australia.
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Architectural plans and blueprints
May 2026 Sky Planning
How to Lodge a DA in NSW: A Step-by-Step Guide
From checking your planning controls to receiving consent — a complete guide to the Development Application process in New South Wales.
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Architectural model and building plans
May 2026 Sky Planning
DA vs CDC — What's the Difference in NSW?
Development Application or Complying Development Certificate — which pathway is right for your project? Here's the honest comparison.
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Two professionals reviewing documents together
May 2026 Sky Planning
How to Choose a Town Planner in Sydney
What to look for, what to ask, and what the red flags are. Honest advice from a Sydney town planning consultancy.
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Land Zoning in NSW
October 31, 2025 Melissa Neighbour
Understanding Land Zoning in NSW: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters
If you're thinking about building, developing, or buying property in NSW, land zoning is the first thing you'll encounter. We break it down clearly.
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Third Spaces
August 25, 2025 Melissa Neighbour
Third Spaces: The Living Rooms of a Sustainable City
Sky Planning featured on ABC Radio discussing Third Spaces in Sydney — the public places that build community, wellbeing and urban resilience.
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Hark Angel
June 23, 2025
Building Futures, Not Just Buildings — Sky Planning Supports Hark Angel
We're proud to support Hark Angel's mission to build 100 schools in developing nations, donating 5% of profits in Q3 2025.
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NCC 2025 Waterproofing
April 14, 2025
The Proposed NCC 2025 Waterproofing and Water Shedding Provisions
New NCC 2025 proposals could require a full DA for routine balcony waterproofing. Sky Planning explains why this matters — and what needs to change.
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AI in Court
February 21, 2025 Melissa Neighbour
AI in the Land and Environment Court: New Guidelines for Legal Practitioners
The NSW Land and Environment Court has released new practice notes on generative AI. Here's what legal practitioners need to know.
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Propinion
January 28, 2025 Melissa Neighbour
Introducing Propinion
A new collaboration between Ballast Point and Sky Planning aimed at clearing up legislative grey areas that slow the NSW property industry.
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Subdividing in NSW
January 15, 2025
Subdividing in NSW – A Basic Overview
Thinking about subdividing land in NSW? Here's a clear overview of the planning controls, professional team requirements, costs, and key steps involved.
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Third Spaces in Sydney
October 7, 2023 Melissa Neighbour
Third Spaces in Sydney
Melissa Neighbour was quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald on Third Spaces. Here's why these community anchors are so vital to how we live.
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Top 100 Women in Construction
May 15, 2023
Top 100 Women in Construction Winner
Congratulations to Sky Planning Director Melissa Neighbour, named a Winner in the Top 100 Women in Construction for 2023.
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Blueprints
January 12, 2022
Ever Wondered Why They Are Called Blueprints?
Before AutoCAD there were blueprints. Discover the fascinating chemistry and history behind this essential tool of the architecture and engineering world.
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TEDx Talk
October 5, 2021 Melissa Neighbour
TEDx Vision of the New Future Beyond 2020
During the 2020 COVID lockdowns, Melissa gave a TEDxMelbourne talk on walkable cities and the unexpected gift of spontaneity. Watch the recording.
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Planning Applications
May 7, 2021
What Applications Have Been Lodged in My Local Area?
Want to stay informed about development proposals near you? Here's a free, simple service that alerts you to planning applications in your area.
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Reimagining Our City Streets
August 31, 2020 Melissa Neighbour
Reimagining Our City Streets
A walkable city is a liveable, sustainable, healthy and happy city. Melissa reflects on COVID lockdowns, Bolivia's Pedestrian Day, and why our streets need to be reclaimed for people.
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