A Question of Balance

Article

This paper assesses the Barker Review of Land Use Planning, exploring the role of planning in urban growth. It finds a case for managed reviews to green belts. But the jury is out on reforming the 'town centre first' approach, and proposals for planning major infrastructure need further work.

The Barker Review of Land Use Planning has been widely attacked as bad for cities: loosening the green belt, damaging town centres and undermining local democracy. But others felt the Review should have gone a lot further. Who is right?

This paper assesses Barker, exploring the role of planning in urban growth. It finds a case for managed reviews to green belts. But the jury is out on reforming the 'town centre first' approach, and proposals for planning major infrastructure need further work.

The forthcoming Planning White Paper should take forward Barker's more sensible proposals. But the Government must tread carefully, improving local planners' capacity before it introduces any major reforms.

Centre for Cities has re-launched as an independent think tank. You can visit them online at http://www.centreforcities.org.

Related items

  1. Turning energy support into investment leverage

    The UK’s energy support risks missing growth by backing high-cost industries instead of those most likely to invest.
  2. Aerial view of the Borders General Hospital on the edge of the Scottish Borders town of Melrose

    More for less? Employment, productivity and reform in Scottish public services

    Excellent public services should be foundational to a flourishing society.

  3. What would it take to eradicate child poverty in Scotland?

    Delivering on the First Minister’s commitment to ‘eradicate’ child poverty seems a long way off.