Conceptualising spatial planning outcomes: Towards an integrative measurement framework

Abstract

The breadth of the desired planning objectives, the lack of precision surrounding their definition and the complex institutional environment make it a rather difficult task to ascertain the outcomes of spatial planning. This article aims to deal with some of the long-standing challenges of disentangling the conceptual and methodological issues associated with the measurement of spatial planning outcomes and performance in the context of the new spatial planning system in England. It will then put forward a strategic integrative framework for assessing spatial planning outcomes that emphasises the importance of vertical and horizontal integration of policy monitoring within a spatial analytical framework; the flexibility of combining different types of indicators across different themes to develop policy intelligence; and the need for a collaborative approach among key stakeholders in the use of indicators to provide feedback and to reframe their policy vision, objectives and strategies.