Spatial planning in Europe: the issues for planning in Britain

At a time when Europe is moving towards far reaching decisions about planning, the British Government has been adopting a semi-detached position. The task for planners is what it has always been, to achieve some coordination based on place and the relation between places, resources and equity. The victory of that idea is by no means guaranteed within the EU, but at least there is the recognition that such a form of planning is a refreshing possibility. Spatial planning implies a reinvigoration of British planning practice and education. It would provide a sensible framework within which to plan national infrastructure and to take decisions about the location of major projects such as a national stadium or the site for a millennium project. (Abstract quotes from original text)