Team
Meet the Sky Planning team, led by Melissa Neighbour, delivering expert town planning and community engagement across NSW.
With decades of experience in council approvals and sustainable development, our urban planners—Melissa, Layla and Jasmin —transform projects with innovation and care.
Contact Us to work with our award-winning professionals
Melissa Neighbour
Owner and Principal Planner
Melissa holds a Bachelor in Environmental Planning with Honours, and a Diploma in Project Management and has over 15 years experience in the planning and property industry. Melissa's background spans across all areas of property, inclusive of commercial, industrial and residential. Melissa works closely with developers through all phases of the development process, beginning with property potential analysis to DA stage, right through to construction certificate, occupation certificate and subdivision certificate stages.
Melissa’s success and reputation as a leading town planner is directly attributed to her client focused approach. Melissa deals with a diverse range of stakeholders and suppliers required for the development process, coordinating all elements to achieve the desired result; project success and client satisfaction. The primary focus is client satisfaction, repeat customer engagement, and client recommendation.
Melissa does this by understanding the customer and their requirements, identifying how those needs can be met, then delivering more than expected.
Melissa has developed and implemented award-winning sustainable development projects across Australia and is a lecturer on sustainability for the Faculty of Engineering, Sydney University. She is a strong advocate for applying creativity and innovation to all aspects of town planning with particular attention to place making and development feasibility.
Melissa’s passion for planning and how it impacts the quality of life in our cities has led her to consult to companies and councils presenting on the innovations, trends and forces that are shaping urbanism and defining our communities. Clients include Mirvac, Port-Macquarie Hastings Council, Local Government Professionals Australia, Domain, and Department of Transport and Main Roads QLD.
Contact Melissa today to find out how her and her team at Sky Planning can assist you on your project.
Melissa Neighbour
Owner and Principal Planner
Melissa holds a Bachelor in Environmental Planning with Honours, and a Diploma in Project Management and has over 20 years experience in the planning and property industry. Melissa's background spans across all areas of property, inclusive of commercial, industrial and residential. Melissa works closely with developers through all phases of the development process, beginning with property potential analysis to DA stage, right through to construction certificate, occupation certificate and subdivision certificate stages.
Melissa’s success and reputation as a leading town planner is directly attributed to her client focused approach. Melissa deals with a diverse range of stakeholders and suppliers required for the development process, coordinating all elements to achieve the desired result; project success and client satisfaction. The primary focus is client satisfaction, repeat customer engagement, and client recommendation.
Melissa does this by understanding the customer and their requirements, identifying how those needs can be met, then delivering more than expected.
Melissa has developed and implemented award-winning sustainable development projects across Australia and is a lecturer on sustainability for the Faculty of Engineering, Sydney University. She is a strong advocate for applying creativity and innovation to all aspects of town planning with particular attention to place making and development feasibility.
Melissa’s passion for planning and how it impacts the quality of life in our cities has led her to consult to companies and councils presenting on the innovations, trends and forces that are shaping urbanism and defining our communities. Clients include Mirvac, Port-Macquarie Hastings Council, Local Government Professionals Australia, Domain, and Department of Transport and Main Roads QLD.
Contact Melissa today to find out how her and her team at Sky Planning can assist you on your project.
Dee (Dikshitha) Yuvanesan
Urban Planner
Dee (Dikshitha) completed a Masters of City Planning at UNSW where she gained insights into the Australian Planning System. With a Bachelors in Architecture and a strong background in her field through her 2+ years of experience, she was motivated to uncover herself into the Australian property industry.
With her consistent passion for Planning, she is apart of the Planning Institute of Australia’s (NSW) committee as a student planner.
She also serves as a Peer Mentor in the Built Environment Student Association (BESA) to help out the international student community.
Dee and her team won the first runner-up position from the TEDI London Summer school 2020 program, where they designed a ground breaking innovative solution to create a dementia-friendly environment. Dee worked collaboratively among the 147 participants selected from 21 countries across the globe with a multi-disciplinary background.
She demonstrated a consistent track record of success when she was employed as a Junior Architect and Guest Lecturer in India. She contributed for the development of undergraduate courses in Interior Design and has conducted workshops for over 150 students in India.
Dee has in-depth knowledge from the development of Conceptual design through to the construction of the project. She led a team of five intern architects and consistently delivered all projects before the deadline with 98% accuracy rates.
Layla Chami Urban Planner
Layla is a results-driven planning consultant with a strong background in urban and environmental planning that are both liveable and future-ready. Holding a Bachelor of Planning from Macquarie University, she brings sharp analytical thinking, a deep understanding of urban policy, and an appreciation for the social and economic fundamentals that shape how people live and interact within cities. Her approach balances strategic insight with practical delivery, ensuring projects are both visionary and achievable.
Before joining Sky Planning, Layla managed complex mixed-use and residential projects at
Fuse Projects, where she honed her skills in
stakeholder coordination, approvals management, and delivery. Her combined background in project management and planning gives her a rare ability to translate vision into action - from concept to compliance.
At Sky Planning, Layla contributes to the preparation of planning proposals, development applications, and site strategy assessments. She approaches each project with precision, curiosity, and empathy, guided by a belief that good planning is both technical and future orientated.
Through her passion for creating
liveable, inclusive, and economically resilient communities, Layla represents the next generation of city-shapers determined to make Sydney more inclusive, resilient, and inspired.
Jasmin Blazevic
Senior Urban Planner
Jasmin is an accomplished professional with a strong academic background and extensive experience in the planning industry. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Planning (Honours) from UNSW, she dedicated her thesis to exploring the pressing issue of housing affordability and its profound impact on homelessness. Her in-depth research, titled "Governing homelessness: The role of state and local government," demonstrated her commitment to understanding the complex dynamics between social issues and urban planning.
With over a decade of experience in the field, Jasmin has honed her expertise and made a significant impact on shaping the built environment. For the majority of her career, she has worked within Local Government, collaborating closely with government agencies, including Councils and state authorities. Through her work, she has played a pivotal role in implementing policies and plans that have not only influenced the physical landscape but also fostered sustainable development.
Jasmin's skills extend beyond the public sector, as she has successfully engaged with private clients and developers. Recognized for her exceptional knowledge of land use regulations, zoning, and environmental impact assessment, she has become a trusted advisor, providing expert guidance to navigate the intricate world of planning for a diverse range of projects. Her ability to balance the interests and expectations of various stakeholders has proven instrumental in delivering effective solutions that cater to the needs of both public and private sector clients.
Beyond her primary focus in planning, Jasmin's secondary interest lies in building design. Equipped with a Diploma in Building Design, she possesses a comprehensive understanding of the synergy between the natural environment, design and urban planning. She continues to pursue her passion for creating dynamic and engaging spaces through design and planning that aims to leave a lasting impact on our community.
Jasmin Blazevic
Senior Urban Planner
Jasmin is an accomplished professional with a strong academic background and extensive experience in the planning industry. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Planning (Honours) from UNSW, she dedicated her thesis to exploring the pressing issue of housing affordability and its profound impact on homelessness. Her in-depth research, titled "Governing homelessness: The role of state and local government," demonstrated her commitment to understanding the complex dynamics between social issues and urban planning.
With over a decade of experience in the field, Jasmin has honed her expertise and made a significant impact on shaping the built environment. For the majority of her career, she has worked within Local Government, collaborating closely with government agencies, including Councils and state authorities. Through her work, she has played a pivotal role in implementing policies and plans that have not only influenced the physical landscape but also fostered sustainable development.
Jasmin's skills extend beyond the public sector, as she has successfully engaged with private clients and developers. Recognized for her exceptional knowledge of land use regulations, zoning, and environmental impact assessment, she has become a trusted advisor, providing expert guidance to navigate the intricate world of planning for a diverse range of projects. Her ability to balance the interests and expectations of various stakeholders has proven instrumental in delivering effective solutions that cater to the needs of both public and private sector clients.
Beyond her primary focus in planning, Jasmin's secondary interest lies in building design. Equipped with a Diploma in Building Design, she possesses a comprehensive understanding of the synergy between the natural environment, design and urban planning. She continues to pursue her passion for creating dynamic and engaging spaces through design and planning that aims to leave a lasting impact on our community.
