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. People walking in Oxford street, London

    The democratic citizen: Renewing citizenship and the public domain

    Britain’s debate about ‘citizenship’ has narrowed to a question of the boundaries of our national community.
  2. A form with the title 'UK Visa Application' sits on a desk next to a passport in a union jack cover

    The British business investment visa: A new model for investment migration in the UK

     We recommend a new approach to investment migration in the UK focussed on maximising economic benefits and minimising the risks of abuse.
  3. A group of primary school aged children using ipads around a table, a little girl smiles at the camera

    "Primary is what comes first": How end of key stage 2 exams impact disadvantaged children

    End of primary school tests need reform to work better for the children who need the most support at school.