Urbanization drives both progress and environmental challenges, with coastal cities among the most vulnerable. Along the Northern Coast of Central Java, population pressure, economic concentration, and infrastructure expansion have reduced environmental carrying capacity. Key issues include landsubsidence, shoreline erosion, and land cover change. This study aims to assess the impact of infrastructure development on urbanization, the environment, and the concept of infrastructure development planning from a multi-dimensional approach to sustainable development for cities. Using spatial analysis and stakeholder mapping across the physical and institutional dimensions. Findings reveal that mismatched land cover and weak regulations exacerbate environmental decline. Road infrastructure development has not been optimal for environmental conditions, resulting in carbon loss of up to 1,062,214.77 t C by 2020 in 14 districts/cities. The article advocates for a holistic and integrated urban planning that aligns infrastrcture growth with sustainability for the benefit of both the environment and the urban communities. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.