Spatial planning systems: A European perspective

Comparative knowledge of spatial planning systems (city and regional planning, land use planning or spatial planning) is of great value to governments. Planning is seen as a critical tool in building sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change, challenges that have a strong spatial dimension. Governments are keen to learn from elsewhere, but this needs care. Planning is strongly shaped by the underlying social model, itself a product of geographical, economic, social and cultural conditions. Thus, the idea and practice of spatial planning is rooted in place. There are common tendencies to replace technocratic expert-led approaches with more collaborative and inclusive planning processes. Planning is increasingly seen as a coordinating mechanism, cross-fertilising sectoral policy and action that affects places. This is the spatial planning approach, or more broadly territorial governance. This book explains the directions of spatial planning reform in Europe, with details on 39 European countries.