City Planning Works
In late December 2025, City Planning Works received approval for a Mascot project of nearly 50,000 square metres of office space in five 8 storey towers above a parking podium with 400-500 spaces. The firm’s role was as Application Project Manager and Design Manager. Working with Development Manager Balance Corporate Property, the consultants were Crone Architects, WSP Engineers and Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects. Approval was given by the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel in the face of opposition from Council.
About City Planning Works
In this challenging time of rapid urban growth, CITY PLANNING WORKS affirms our belief in the power of urban planning and design to improve the lives of city dwellers.
Informed urban planning and urban design are essential to managing the rapid growth of our cities. CITY PLANNING WORKS is committed to providing sustainable, practical and ethical planning and design solutions for the urban built environment. Our nearly 60 years of diverse experience and detailed knowledge inform the advice we give private and public sector clients.
Our firm has:
Informed urban planning and urban design are essential to managing the rapid growth of our cities. CITY PLANNING WORKS is committed to providing sustainable, practical and ethical planning and design solutions for the urban built environment. Our nearly 60 years of diverse experience and detailed knowledge inform the advice we give private and public sector clients.
Our firm has:
- championed urban development projects designed to house Australia's growing population and workforce
- designed, written and implemented planning policies, strategies, studies and development guidelines
- compiled and project managed development applications in many industry sectors
- managed master plans for large urban interventions and
- assisted individuals to realise approvals for homes and alterations.
City Planning Works Services
Urban Planning
- Championing great planning outcomes
- Urban planning project co-ordination
- Rezoning applications (planning proposals)
- Management of design and DA projects
- Negotiation with councils and community groups
- Expert evidence and testimony for appeals
- Litigation support
- Development Applications (DAs, s8.2, s4.55)
- Statements of Environmental Effects (SEEs)
Who We Are
Michael Neustein
ARB Reg No 3358
Director
Michael founded City Planning Works (and its predecessors) over 40 years ago. Managing the approvals process from regulation to litigation, Michael provides statutory, strategic and compliance advice, prepares SEEs and advises how best to meet local and state approval requirements. An experienced expert witness, he is adept at presenting urban planning/design evidence before the LEC.
In late December 2025, Michael’s 27 month involvement with a project in Mascot yielded an approval for 48,650sqm of gross floor area in five seven storey towers above a three level parking podium for 400-500 car spaces. Michael’s role was project management of the development application process as well as preparing the necessary urban planning documents to support the proposal. Traffic impact and parking numbers were major issues impacting on the amount of gross floor area permitted. Approval was granted by the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel in the face of council officer opposition.
Michael Neustein is immediate past Chairman of the Australian Institute of Urban Studies NSW. In recognition of his long service to the Australian Institute of Urban Studies, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship. He has been made a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects in recognition of his long service to that Institute.
In late December 2025, Michael’s 27 month involvement with a project in Mascot yielded an approval for 48,650sqm of gross floor area in five seven storey towers above a three level parking podium for 400-500 car spaces. Michael’s role was project management of the development application process as well as preparing the necessary urban planning documents to support the proposal. Traffic impact and parking numbers were major issues impacting on the amount of gross floor area permitted. Approval was granted by the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel in the face of council officer opposition.
Michael Neustein is immediate past Chairman of the Australian Institute of Urban Studies NSW. In recognition of his long service to the Australian Institute of Urban Studies, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship. He has been made a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects in recognition of his long service to that Institute.
Eleni Danias
Consultant
Equipped with a higher degree in Property Development from UTS, urban planner Eleni brings a strong strategic understanding of the risks and roadblocks inherent in the development process and, importantly, how to reduce or avoid them.
With her family’s longstanding involvement in property and development, Eleni offers valuable private sector insight into both development and complying development pathways. She understands the commercial drivers behind projects and works proactively to achieve timely and practical planning outcomes.
Eleni is highly experienced in preparing and managing Development Applications, Complying Development Certificates, modification applications, and Section 8.2 reviews. She coordinates and manages design team responses to council controls, prepares comprehensive planning reports, manages lodgements, and responds effectively to council submissions and objections. Her clear communication style, strategic thinking, and practical approach make her a trusted advisor throughout the approval process.
With her family’s longstanding involvement in property and development, Eleni offers valuable private sector insight into both development and complying development pathways. She understands the commercial drivers behind projects and works proactively to achieve timely and practical planning outcomes.
Eleni is highly experienced in preparing and managing Development Applications, Complying Development Certificates, modification applications, and Section 8.2 reviews. She coordinates and manages design team responses to council controls, prepares comprehensive planning reports, manages lodgements, and responds effectively to council submissions and objections. Her clear communication style, strategic thinking, and practical approach make her a trusted advisor throughout the approval process.
Contact City Planning Works