Abstract: A key component of urban governance is participatory strategic planning. Among other purposes, it is intended to establish consensus and clarity around future development patterns. This, it follows, reduces conflict during subsequent development assessments. Using textual analysis techniques, this research unpacks the planning concept of the mixed-use neighbourhood, as used in Sydney’s planning strategies. On one hand, objectives of ‘jobs closer to home’ and ‘amenities in walking distance’ create a sense of the neighbourhood being self-contained. On the other hand, objectives of ‘building on hubs of a public transport network’ and ‘productivity gains through mobility and connection’ create a sense of the neighbourhood being well-connected. Using stakeholder interviews, the research highlights how planning conflicts in mixed-use neighbourhoods – the case of Kings Cross is examined – are often over these different interpretations. Contentious developments are those seen to prioritise either local amenity (of the self-contained neighbourhood) or metro-wide economic growth (through the well-connected neighbourhood) at the expense of the other. The findings highlight a possible limitation of strategic planning providing clarity for the community. In turn, it highlights the folly of expecting engagement during strategic planning to be an alternative to engagement during development approval.