AIM

The course aims to critically examine spatial planning systems, focusing on their evolution, structure, and processes. It discusses the institutional and legal framework within which planning takes place and critically engages contemporary planning practices, debates, controversies, issues, and concerns.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, you should be to:

1. Describe and critique the concept and practice of spatial planning.

2. Assess and evaluate contemporary debates in planning theory and practice.

3. Review and assess the institutional framework for spatial planning.

4. Describe, interpret, and evaluate the statutory framework of plans.

5. Examine and appraise development planning and development management.

6. Judge and formulate coherent arguments on contemporary issues in spatial planning.

7. Assess and contribute to key planning debates and the planning literature.

DAY 1: TUESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2021

This session introduces the course. It looks at among other things, the learning outcomes, delivery methods, and assessment.

Session 1: Spatial Planning as a State-Directed Activity

The session is a critical introduction to the practice of spatial planning as a state-directed activity. It emphasizes the nature and scope of spatial planning as well as the necessity and relevance of the legal and institutional framework through which the state facilitates, controls, and monitors planning.

 Session 2: Planning Systems and Processes I:

Organizational Framework

As a principally state-directed activity, planning operates in a field structured by various agencies, instruments, and frameworks. In this session, we examine the spatial and administrative organization of planning by discussing the
institutional framework. We will focus on agencies for planning at various administrative and spatial levels, their roles, and how they relate to each other. Please, bring your internet-enabled devices

DAY 2: TUESDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2021

Session 3: Planning Systems and Processes II: Framework of Plans Zubeida Lowton

The session continues the preceding theme by examining and appraising the processual aspects of planning at different spatial and administrative scales. We will examine the frameworks of plans at different levels. Our focus will be the hierarchy of plans, their formulation, contents, and how they relate to each other. Please bring your internet-enabled devices.

Session 4: Development Planning

This session will outline the system of development plans using Scotland as an example. The idea is to provide you with a living case of the development planning in action. We will examine the nature and importance of strategic spatial planning at different spatial scales. The different plans and policies at these spatial levels will be examined and appraised. This will enable you to examine and evaluate the organization of planning in other contexts. As such, you are required to read beyond the Scottish case study.

DAY 3: TUESDAY 5 OCTOBER 2021

Session 5: Development Management

This session explains the regulation and control activity of planning and its relationship to structures of governance and the development plan system. The focus will be on both strands of development management, namely, development control and planning enforcement. As in the case of development planning, the idea is to equip you to be able to examine and evaluate development planning in other contexts. As such, you are required to read beyond the Scottish case study.

Session 6: Planning Workshop I: Making Strategic Choices

Focusing on development planning, this session involves an interactive workshop where you will apply your knowledge about strategic-level planning to a particular planning problem. The session requires you to participate, so pre-course preparation is essential. The best way to do this is to study the material for this session plus your notes and readings for development planning and the framework for plans.

DAY 4: TUESDAY 12 OCTOBER 2021

Session 7: Planning Workshop II: Development Management

Focussing on development management, this session is an interactive workshop where you will apply many of the concepts you have learned across the whole of the course to an applied planning problem.

The session requires you to participate, so pre-course preparation is essential. This you can do by studying your notes and readings on development management and the framework for plans.

Session 8: Seminar: Planning and Contemporary Challenges

This session will examine contemporary issues in planning in relation to a wide range of sectors. It discusses planning policy and its purpose. It examines policy at different levels of government and assesses how this impacts planning decisions. It links planning issues to wider policies and different spatial administrative scales.

DAY 5: TUESDAY 19 OCTOBER 2021

Session 9: Planning Law

This session will introduce and explain core aspects of planning law, and the specific legislation under which planning in Scotland operates. As planning law is extremely context-dependent, the focus is on Scotland. As is the case with the preceding context-specific sessions, it is in your best interest to read beyond the Scottish case. Reading beyond the Scottish case will give you the ability to apply the knowledge gained in this session to other countries.

Session 10: Environmental Law

This session will introduce and explain environmental law as a key legislative framework for planning decisions. Like planning law, environmental law is extremely context-dependent.

This session focuses on Scotland. This will enable you to apply what you have learned to other contexts. It is in your best interest to read beyond the Scottish case.

DAY 6: TUESDAY 26 OCTOBER 2021

Session 11: Workshop 3: Why Plan?

As a practice that entails public control over private interests, planning is highly contentious. There are very strong arguments for and against planning.

In this session, we will examine and assesses these arguments. This is an interactive session. We will debate the case for and against planning. You must be prepared to contribute to group discussions. It is important to read as much as possible around the contentious topic and reflect on the arguments. Having assessed the arguments, critically reflect on how the arguments apply to your country and/or region and/or urban center.