Approaching Sustainability in Local Spatial Planning Processes: A Case Study in the Stockholm Region, Sweden

Johan Högström,Monica Hammer,Berit Balfors,Peter Brokking

doi:10.3390/su13052601

Johan Högström, Monica Hammer + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052601

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Abstract

The quest for cogent responses to sustainability goals challenges local spatial planning practices across growing metropolitan regions to develop planning approaches that enable transformative capacity in increasingly complex settings. Based on a case study conducted in the Stockholm region, this paper explores the design and organization of local planning processes to provide a basis for a discussion of alternative approaches that may enhance sustainability in plan and project development. More specifically, it aims to analyze the conditions for embedding and consolidating sustainability issues in local planning processes. The results show that the municipalities need to create conditions for an effective interplay between the planning work carried out in individual projects and the organization of resources, knowledge, and skills on which the projects depend to handle sustainability issues. This study contributes to the understanding of the challenges associated with putting sustainability into practice at the local level by identifying and conceptualizing three important barriers. By acknowledging the temporal, locational, and procedural dimensions of knowledge in local planning processes, planning practices may become better at knowing when, and in what ways, different forms of knowledge can become created, introduced, and used in a synergistic manner to aid the realization of sustainability goals.

Highlights

Over the last 30 years, the understanding of the notion of sustainability has evolved, which since 2015 is manifested in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda2030 providing a framework for transformative action [1]
This study sets out to analyze the design and organization of local planning processes to provide a basis for a discussion of planning approaches that may enhance sustainability in plan and project development
Given the urgency to respond to sustainability challenges and objectives, this study contributes to the understanding of how the design and organization of planning processes influence the conditions for embedding and consolidating sustainability issues in local planning practices

Summary

Introduction

Over the last 30 years, the understanding of the notion of sustainability has evolved, which since 2015 is manifested in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda2030 providing a framework for transformative action [1]. Against a backdrop of extensive growth across metropolitan areas, it is important how spatial planning processes are utilized in local planning practices to contribute to the realization of established sustainability goals and objectives. Whilst spatial planning holds a promise for changing the trajectory of urban development, the quest for cogent responses to the SDGs leaves planners facing dilemmas in their practices trying to balance competing needs in increasingly complex planning contexts [2]. Gustafsson et al [4] note the importance of understanding how sustainability objectives are translated and integrated into local steering documents, and highlight the need to organize communication across municipal departments through a combination of comprehensive administrative systems and emerging bottom-up initiatives. Savini et al [5] conclude that innovation in planning practice could benefit from an enhanced understanding of the dilemmas of intervention, regulation, and investment, possibly rendering planning approaches that enable a better navigation

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