Creating climate-neutral, inclusive urban areas demands long-term multi-stakeholder engagement. Concepts such as Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) and Zero Emission Neighbourhoods (ZENs) aim for climate neutrality by producing energy surpluses and fostering attractive living spaces. While there’s significant research on emission reduction in buildings, neighbourhood-scale studies are scarce. This chapter is a case study of the programming of the sustainable transition process of a former harbour area (Nyhavna) in Trondheim, Norway. Approaches applied during the early planning phase are explored, assessing the suitability of these from the perspective of different stakeholders. How does the chosen pathway for the planning process of Nyhavna impact the harbour area’s transformation into an attractive, zero emission neighbourhood? What challenges arise, and which strategies are essential for maintaining high ambitions over time? Six qualitative expert interviews with seven informants of different stakeholder groups were conducted, public text documents were analysed, and participative observation in meetings was carried out. The study highlights several challenges experienced by the informants: Continuous stakeholder involvement is challenging and must be planned for; various planning document and the ownership structure of a neighbourhood can impose barriers to ambitious goals, the hierarchy of goals must be clearly defined, and the roles of stakeholders and their interplay should be clarified. This chapter contributes to understanding factors influencing climate-neutral neighbourhood development and offers practical recommendations based on the Nyhavna case study.