M. Reimer, P. Getimis and H. Blotevogel: Spatial planning systems and practices in Europe: a comparative perspective on continuity and changes

Abstract

There are numerous comparative studies on European spatial planning systems (CEC 1997; Knieling and Othengrafen 2009; Newman and Thornley 1996). Why do we need one more, and how does this one differ from the rest? This book compares planning systems in twelve European countries: Belgium (Flanders), the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, The Netherlands, Turkey, and the UK. Each country is presented in a separate chapter. The authorship comprises a mixture not only of professors, but also of planning professionals and young academics. Overall, the quality of the chapters on planning systems is very high. Some contributions are stronger in terms of theory (such as the description of the Greek system); others focus more on a case-study approach. The description of each planning system follows a similar structure: a short introduction reviewing the context of the various systems, a brief elaboration on the basic features of the planning system in question, an identification of pressing problems and challenges, descriptions of ‘‘dimensions and directions’’ of changes, and a conclusion. In the first chapter of the book, the editors introduce this analytical framework. In the conclusion of the book, the editors reflect on the diversity of the different spatial planning systems. This structure is very much in line with other comparisons of planning systems. Reimer and his colleagues claim that their book differs because they pursue a different approach than that of the ‘‘Newman and Thornley tradition’’ (Reimer et al. 2014, p. 3). This tradition of comparative research focuses on legal-administrative framework conditions. Reimer and his colleagues criticize this tradition because it overlooks many issues that characterize spatial planning in practice. However, most chapters in this book place a strong focus on legal-administrative issues in the planning systems: institutions, laws, and