Embedding spatial planning in contemporary multi-level governance: The sustainability entanglement

If distinguishing between spatial planning systems and practices, the latter reflect on the continuity and perspective of planning cultures and are concerned with the values, attitudes, mindsets and routines shared by those taking part in concrete planning processes. Some recent studies demonstrated comparative assessment of European spatial planning. Thus, the coexistence of continuity and change, as well as convergence and divergence concerning planning practices, was delineated. Moreover, the trends and directions in the evolution of spatial planning and territorial governance were explored when focusing on linkages between diverse national planning perspectives and EU policies. The relevant outcome of European projects met their visionary statements in general and are towards the inspiration of policymaking by territorial evidence. However, it showed a highly differential landscape for territorial governance and spatial planning across Europe in terms of terminology, concepts, tools and practices. Therefore, the paper focuses on how the most relevant outcome of European research may initiate a reasonable in-depth study of concrete planning practices and substantiate an effective planning approach. Mainly based on critical literature review and comparative analysis and synthesis techniques, the overviewed key research results led (1) to agenda-setting for comprehensive evidence gathering (CEG) if exploring spatial planning practices and territorial governance in selected European countries, and (2) to a set of objectives for a values-led planning (VLP) approach to be introduced for improvement of land use management.

• Programme to integrate spatial planning and energy planning. • Creating strategic database for energy transition in spatial planning. • Applying strategic maps to harmonize district heating, mobility and spatial development. • Applying energy transition thinking for sustainable spatial planning. • Holistic implementation programme for scientific knowledge in local spatial planning. How we plan our towns, cities and regions is inseparably connected to energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions and the way how we can manage the transition to sustainable renewable energy systems. Therefore, we propose that integrated spatial and energy planning is an important part of energy transition and climate protection strategies. In this article, we discuss how the energy transition and spatial planning can be holistically integrated, and how this theoretical framework combining the factual findings of integrated spatial and energy planning and strategic concepts of spatial planning can be put into practice in municipal spatial planning. We demonstrate the applicability of the approach in an action research process in the Austrian Province of Styria involving the Government representatives, municipalities and spatial planners. The whole approach includes, as tangible outputs a strategic database, strategic maps, and a planning guidance for municipalities on the one hand, and a further education programme for planners and municipal decision makers on the other hand. Finally, the applicability, transferability and limitations of the approach are discussed. As the approach is not only established in Styria, but at the moment also put forward in two further Provinces so that we can, in total, cover about 63% of all Austrian municipalities with this approach, we also propose that this approach can serve as a role model not only for local and regional energy transition and climate protection policies around the world, but also for shaping third mission activities of universities.

Planning Support Systems (PSS) research has explored ways to improve PSS use and embeddedness. However, there is little knowledge of how unplanned changes during implementation impact outcomes. This paper answers the question, ‘How can drift influence PSS implementation and use?’ It applies the concept of drift (changes in new technology, user behaviour, and/or existing practice during ICT implementation) to explain how PSS users (GIS specialists, planners) initiate unplanned changes during implementation and use. Following a qualitative approach, we investigate a PSS implementation case study in Rwanda – the Spatial Development Framework (SDF) methodology – to establish the role of drift in PSS use and embeddedness. Our study reveals that a) user understanding and perception of PSS can initiate drift during implementation and use, and b) drift can influence outcomes of PSS use or embeddedness. This study confirms the role of drift in PSS use and embeddedness in Rwanda’s spatial planning process.

The Lebak Regency spatial planning plan was prepared based on Lebak Regency Regional Regulation Number 2 of 2014 concerning the Lebak Regency Regional Spatial Plan for 2014-2034 with the aim of creating a highly competitive and sustainable Regency regional space based on agriculture, plantations, tourism and mining. To realize this, spatial planning is needed based on the principles of spatial planning contained in Article 2 of Law Number 26 of 2007 concerning Spatial Planning. The research method used is the normative juridical method. The normative juridical method is defined as research on statutory rules, both from the perspective of the statutory hierarchy (vertical) and the harmonious relationship of legislation (horizontal). The purpose of this writing is to find out how the application of spatial planning principles in the Lebak Regency Spatial Planning Plan for Mining Activities in the Mount Liman Area is Reviewed Based on Law Number 26 of 2007 concerning Spatial Planning. Based on the results of the discussion, it can be concluded that the regional government has attempted to control spatial planning and supervision of illegal gold mining in Lebak Regency. Regulations for mining activities in Lebak Regency Regional Regulation Number 2 of 2014 concerning Lebak Regency Spatial Planning for 2014-2034. Article 64 paragraph (5) letter c does not allow mining in protected areas. However, there is a discrepancy in the application of spatial planning principles in the 2014-2034 Lebak Regency Regional Spatial Plan, namely consisting of the principle of integration, the principle of harmony, harmony and balance, the principle of sustainability, the principle of efficiency and effectiveness as well as the principle of legal certainty and justice. This is due to the determination of the Cirinten sub-district area as a mining area.

This paper offers an overview of the major processes and characteristics of the spatial planning system and practice in Romania. It is largely based on document analysis, proposing an evaluation of the major legislative documents regulating the field of spatial planning (the basic Law nr. 350 from 2001 for Spatial Planning and Urbanism, and additionally, the seven laws composing the National Spatial Planning Act). We focus on the description of the planning practices indetified in the official spatial planning documents from various spatial scales, from regional to local, by considering the interactions established between institutional, economic, political and cultural factors from the socialist period and during the post-socialist transition period. The article argues for the major effects related to a low-speed but obvious Europeanization process of the spatial planning institutions and practices expressed through the uncritical and unreflected introduction of neo-liberal ideas in the spatial planning legislation and practices. The resulting spatial planning system has taken a hybrid shape, represented by a mix of three major European planning styles: comprehensive integrated, land-use oriented and urbanistic planning styles.

Governance dynamics and spatial planning regulations are significant factors in the occurrence (or containment) of urban sprawl. However, qualitative investigations of the planning regulatory systems and practices, and governance arrangements that cumulatively stimulate suburbanisation, typically remain detached from land-change analyses. Based on the concept of institutional frames of spatial planning systems, this article elucidates how governance dynamics and spatial planning practices, at different scales, can partially explain suburban land-use patterns. The territorial transformations of two Southern European metropolitan regions, Barcelona and Milan, are examined through land-use data (1990–2012) at different territorial scales. Demographic (1991–2011) and administrative (2011) data are also analysed. In-depth interviews about individual and collective land management practices have been carried out, as well as document analysis concerning spatial planning laws and regulations. This research shows that the metropolitan character of urban sprawl originates from local planning practices mainly performed by municipal authorities through land-use micro-transformations. Further, it highlights the decisive role that higher-level institutions can play in land containment. Urban sprawl is hence not necessarily an unplanned phenomenon, but rather a ‘differently planned’ local and regional land-use strategy.

The National Assembly for Wales is engaged in the preparation of a national spatial planning framework to provide a context for sustainable development and environmental quality. This paper reports on research undertaken for the Assembly on the preparation of the spatial planning framework and identifies the initial stages in that process. The research itself draws upon a study of policy documents relevant to Wales, a comparative review of strategic spatial planning practices in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe, and the identification of the expectations of stakeholders for the framework. The paper illustrates how the concept of ‘spatial planning’ is being addressed and defined in the process of preparing the framework. The material provides an interesting insight into the emergent practice of spatial planning in the United Kingdom through a case study of Wales with wider relevance for spatial planning activity in Europe.

This book provides an introduction to spatial planning in the Netherlands. It explores the academic underpinnings of the discipline and its practical implications, making use of insights on planning practices from the Netherlands. As an academic book with relevance for spatial planning teaching and practice, the relation between planning practice and planning as an academic discipline are discussed. A key analytical concept is introduced to discuss the different dimensions of planning: the planning triangle. This framework helps to bridge the strategic and conceptual elements of planning with its realization. The object, process, and context of planning and its relations are discussed. The core of the academic discipline and profession of spatial planning entails looking (far) into the future, stimulating discussion, formulating a desired future direction through an informal and collective planning process, and then formalizing and placing current action into that future perspective. In that sense, spatial planning can be understood as the strategic organization of hopes and expectations. As a study book it is suitable for students of planning at various universities, but also for students in higher professional education. For those involved in the professional field of spatial planning, this book offers a sound foundation.

The objective of this scoping review was to map the body of knowledge on net gain and no-net-loss (net-outcome) objectives and approaches applicable to health in spatial planning and development policies and practice. There is an established body of academic and gray literature addressing environmental net-outcome objectives, such as biodiversity net gain, in spatial planning policies and practice. While a health net-gain objective has been proposed as a driver for health protection and the realization of health, such an objective and approach are yet to be scoped and defined. This review considered scientific and gray literature sources that described health net-outcome objectives and approaches that can be implemented in spatial planning and development policies and practice. Source contexts were not limited to specific countries, geographical areas, or settings. All types of evidence were considered. This review followed the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Searches of 19 information sources were conducted in August 2023 and updated in July 2024. Key databases included Scopus, MEDLINE, and Embase. Sources of gray literature were included, and citation searching was conducted. No language or date restrictions were applied. Following a high level of agreement during piloting, titles and abstracts were screened by 1 reviewer, and 50% of full texts were screened by 2 reviewers. One reviewer extracted data describing the characteristics of evidence sources and the net-outcome objectives and approaches described within them. Data analysis included categorization, frequency counts, and a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis. Of 8290 unique records identified through database and gray literature searching, 474 evidence sources were assessed for eligibility, resulting in the inclusion of 112 sources, alongside 7 others identified from citation searching, for a total of 119 sources. Included evidence sources dated from 1974 to 2024, with an increasing frequency of publication from 2008. Social objectives were found from the 1990s, and conservation policies engendered well-being objectives from 2018. Frequently encountered perspectives related to regenerative and sustainable design and development, biodiversity, and conservation. Almost all sources originated from developed Western economies. Broad objectives relevant to health (90/119) outnumbered distinct health objectives (29/119). Most sources addressed development projects, among other scales. Sources frequently described the reconceived use of development to protect and improve health and well-being, overcome sustainability challenges, and strengthen socioecological systems. Implementation often featured participatory approaches, mitigation hierarchies, and assessment, although some sources advocated positive opportunities for health creation rather than the use of contested quantitative accounting frameworks. Challenges and opportunities were predominantly associated with objective specification and assessment. Potential value conflicts were identified relating, in part, to differing anthropocentric and biocentric approaches and objections to quantification and commodification. This review found many socio-environmental net-outcome objectives relevant to health and emergent health objectives that were immature and less frequently reported. These present differing scopes, focuses, and implementation options that are relevant to policymakers' specification of future objectives. Specification entails value judgments, and equity considerations are important. Knowledge gaps to address include transferability between countries, policy domains, and disciplines; multilevel evaluation; and integration within spatial planning systems and current impact assessment theory and practice. OSF https://osf.io/4dbcm.

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the extent to which risk communication has been implemented into spatial planning practice in Indonesia by using the coastal area of Subang Regency as a case study. Risk communication in risk-based planning (RBP) is the process of exchanging information about risk and hazards between all actors which emphasizes determining the level of risk acceptance of communities to support appropriate decision making in spatial planning. It has been proven effective in developed countries, but it remains unclear in Indonesia.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses qualitative methods by analyzing documents and interviews with local stakeholders to explain how risk communication is implemented in RBP at the regency level.FindingsThis study reveals that risk communication is not explicitly incorporated into RBP regulations and impacts its practices. The absence of a clear definition and guidelines in regulations is leading to limited understanding at all government levels. The emphasis on community risk acceptance levels as the core of risk communication in RBP has not been conducted, where the existing focus is still majorly on disaster events. This has led to improper spatial planning decisions.Practical implicationsIncorporating risk communication in RBP is important in spatial planning practice in Indonesia. Without effective community engagement, clear definition and guidelines on community’s acceptable risk levels, spatial planning efforts may not align with local needs, leading to social conflicts and hindering appropriate spatial planning. For instance, land use policy for community that is willing to tolerate the risk should be permitted with specified consideration instead of offering relocation options that potentially lead to social unrest by conflicting with their social, economic and cultural. Integrating risk communication into RBP can result in a more adaptive and appropriate spatial planning decisions.Originality/valueThis study offers a novel exploration of risk communication which is important to be integrated into the RBP in a locality in Indonesia, focusing on both regulatory factors and practices to support appropriate decision making in spatial planning. This paper is important because study on risk communication in RBP in Indonesia is still scarce.

National spatial strategies and state development plans and frameworks face many of the same challenges in both the EU and the USA. As inherently intergovernmental endeavours, the successful implementation of planning goals requires extensive vertical integration across various levels of government and horizontal integration across functional agencies within each level of government, as well as spatial articulation of key concepts and policies at various geographic scales. To help develop comparative studies between the approaches in both areas, University College Dublin's School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Policy and the US Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and University of Maryland, jointly hosted a Symposium in Dublin in mid-October 2012. The aim of the meeting was to bring together academics and practitioners across the USA and Europe, to share their different experiences of planning frameworks and to draw out transferability lessons from each jurisdiction.The symposium was timely given that Ireland is undergoing a period of policy and economic reflection, triggered by a deep economic recession, evidenced by a property collapse and a planning legacy of housing oversupply and under-delivery of vital transport and education infrastructure. Ireland's strategic planning frameworks, namely the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) and Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs) closely follow the EU spatial development framework and principles. These planning frameworks have recently been subject to mid-term review and there is now more emphasis in Ireland on evidence-based planning. The timing of the symposium also tied in with plans by the Irish Department of Environment, Community and Local Government to scope a new NSS in 2013, so as to align it with the new economic and demographic realities brought about by recession.The report published here focuses on the introduction to the cross-national and cross-state comparative approach adopted by the symposium, the particular features of planning identified in the USA and the EU and the discussion and the outcomes and lessons, including transferability lessons, from the meeting as a whole. The central and most detailed part of the symposium, the presentation and discussion of a series of US state and EU national profiles, is more lightly touched on. However, readers can access electronically not only the full text of most of the papers as written (some in dated 'draft' form), but also the speakers' PowerPoint presentations and some written 'comments' made by discussants.Access can be found by first going to the UCD School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Policy website for the symposium: http://www.ucd.ie/gpep/events/ seminarsworkshopsconferences/natplanssymp2012/ and then opting for either 'Background', to find an introduction to the analytical theme of the symposium as a whole, or, for 'Program', to find the listing of speakers. Once in 'Program', the relevant sections of the 'written' archive can be accessed by clicking onto 'download paper' or 'presentation' or 'commentary', as required. Additionally, through accessing the third major section of the website, 'Watch on You Tube', readers can also view recordings of the speakers themselves and their words as spoken at the symposium through a playlist of 26 YouTube recordings. These recordings will be designated by the convention (YT/ number) immediately following the speaker's institutional affiliation in the remainder of the report to provide for direct identification and to display something of the range of material available to viewers. The Lincoln Institute is also preparing a book publication based on the symposium.Introduction and EU/USA comparative study considerationsOpening the symposium, the Irish Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan (YT/2), acknowledged the importance of setting out the correct strategic planning framework for national development: 'Spatial planning has a crucial role to play in the recovery of our country'. …

The objective of this scoping review is to review the body of knowledge on net gain and no net loss (net-outcome) objectives and approaches applicable to health in spatial planning and development policies and practice. There is an established body of academic and gray literature addressing environmental net-outcome objectives, such as biodiversity net gain, in spatial planning policies and practice. A "health net gain" objective has recently been proposed as a driver for health protection and the realization of health. Such an objective and approach are yet to be scoped and defined. This review will consider sources in the scientific and gray literature that describe health net-outcome objectives that can be implemented in spatial planning and development policies and practice. Source contexts will not be limited to specific countries, geographical areas, or settings. All types of evidence will be considered. This review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Databases to be searched include PsycINFO, Embase, HMIC Health Management Information Consortium, MEDLINE (Ovid), Scopus, and selected databases from the ProQuest Social Science Premium Collection. Sources of gray literature to be searched include ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, TRIP Pro, and BASE. No language or date restrictions will be applied. Two independent reviewers will retrieve and review full-text studies and extract data. The results will be presented in tabular or diagrammatic format with a narrative summary. Open Science Framework https://osf.io/4dbcm.

The article represents a contribution to the theory of urban stability. We consider spatial planning and master plans as important tools for sustainable land development and stability. In the current spatial planning practice in Slovakia, in some cases, the imperfections of the present law are manifested. The ambiguities in the law cause a variety of interpretations in its application, which is negative in its use. This development of the area does not have to mean an improvement for the life of the population. The current spatial and land-use plans do not permit a sufficiently flexible response to current situations and oblige new projects to create such structures, forms, functions and public spaces that will improve the territory in several factors. The study points to the importance of complex analyses and assessments of the territory that are the starting point of urban design and planning. Knowledge of the area and its surroundings is a basic prerequisite for any successful new structure in urbanised areas. The establishment of urban stability is considered to be an important goal. Urban stability is not an unchangeable state but it is a condition expressing the ability not to disturb its condition. In the case studies of spatial plans application, we point out how the spatial plan can directly influence the stability or instability of the territory. The article presents an idea of a new analytical tool of urban stability, which evaluates the territory of several factors and looks for connections of these effects, which more specifically and more accurately assess the stabilization and destabilization processes of the territory. It defines the factors of urban stability and their interrelations in the form of a matrix of urban stability, which allows a more concrete and accurate estimation of the impacts of the new development on the given territory. On the basis of the theoretical model of stability, the article brings a proposal for a new analytical tool of urban stability in spatial planning, which also evaluates the precondition of new development areas.

Regional Spatial Planning (RTRW) serves as a guideline for policy development, including long-term regional development plans, medium-term regional development plans, industrial development plans, and investment implementation in the region Law Number 15 of 2019. The establishment of the RTRW in the form of regional regulations (PERDA) provides a strong legal basis for regional governments to direct development, maintain environmental sustainability, prevent conflicts due to overlapping land use, and support sustainable economic growth without neglecting ecological aspects, as well as creating a balance between development and environmental preservation. In an effort to achieve the goals of the state, national development is carried out by all components of the nation and in its implementation there have been two changes to the spatial planning policy of Jambi province since the enactment of Jambi provincial regulation number 9 of 1993The Jambi Province spatial planning plan is no longer in line with regional, economic, political, and environmental developments, resulting in a decline in the quality of space in the Jambi Province region. The research method used is normative juridical, namely a study that focuses on legal norms, legal principles, and legal systems related to the issues discussed. The research findings show that changes in the spatial planning of mining areas in Jambi Province are the result of a complex interaction between internal and external factors, including economic, policy, environmental, social, and the dynamics of national spatial planning law. Internal factors such as the potential for large coal resources, limited logistics infrastructure, and the need for mining infrastructure development have driven changes in the spatial structure and spatial patterns of the region. Furthermore, enforcing compliance with spatial planning is key to directing mining activities to comply with sustainability principles and applicable laws.

The current system of territorial planning in Latvia has been formed after regaining its independence in 1991. The European Union has had a great impact on the development of the concept and practice of spatial planning throughout the entire Europe and in each of the Member States, including Latvia. The common planning activities and initiatives at the European level had influenced planning practice in all the Member States. The aim of the research is to describe the development of the spatial planning system, as well as the features of planning practice in Latvia in the context of spatial planning activities at the European Union level. During the research, the author describes the development of the spatial planning concept, the typology and system of spatial planning in the European Union. Additionally, the author characterises the development of the legal framework for and practice in the spatial planning system of Latvia, as well as identifies the features of the Latvian spatial planning system and practice in the context of spatial planning activities at the European Union level. Research methods – content analysis, deductive and inductive methods, theoretical analysis of scientific literature, EU and Latvian legislation analysis, comparative analysis, etc.