Comparative research to begin on UK spatial planning systems – University of Reading
11 October 2004
Researchers at the Universities of Reading, Hull and Newcastle, will shortly begin work on a 2.5-year research project (2005-2007) funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) which will explore how spatial planning systems are evolving in different ways across the UK. 'Spatial planning' refers to the methods used to develop plans that integrate different areas of local, regional and national policy such as transport, health, the environment and housing. The research project will examine how spatial planning has emerged as a new planning orthodoxy, promoting both the better integration of planning with other sectoral strategies,. Since devolution this is being approached differently in different parts of the UK. Professor Phil Allmendinger, of The University of Reading's Department of Real Estate and Planning, said: "The different models of integrated spatial planning being pursued in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales will be compared through a series of five case studies based on the notion of 'governance lines'. "These case studies will explore the interaction between planning policies from the local level, through sub-regional, regional and national levels to the EU, one each to cover the experience of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, an English region and Greater London. Interviews will be held with policy makers and stakeholders at various spatial scales and in different sectors." The research team consists of Professor Phil Allmendinger from the Department of Real Estate and Planning at the University of Reading, Professor Graham Haughton and Dr Dave Counsell at the University of Hull and Dr Geoff Vigar at the University of Newcastle. End For further information please contact: Professor Phil Allmendinger Department of Real Estate and Planning School of Business University of Reading 0118 378 8175 p.allmendinger@reading.ac.uk or Craig Hillsley, University of Reading press officer 0118 378 7388 c.hillsley@rdg.ac.uk