Changing spatial planning systems and the role of the regional government level; Comparing the Netherlands, Flanders and England

Abstract

Several European countries are adapting their planning system to current requirements of public and private sector and society. Examples of such countries are England and the Netherlands. The paper start with an overview of theoretical concepts of planning systems in relation to spatial planning. We then focus on the proposed and recent changes in the English and Dutch planning systems. What are the main objectives for the changes and how are they elaborated in planning instruments, procedures and institutional framework? The paper concludes with relating the changes in the two presented planning systems to the theoretical concepts op planning systems.