Planning Theory, Politics and Practice | Study

Running head: PLANNING THEORY, POLITICS AND PRACTICE
Planning Theory, Politics and Practice
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Authors Note

PLANNING THEORY, POLITICS AND PRACTICE1
Introduction
Theory is a fundamental part of science because it elucidates how a specific area was
urbanized and changed over time. Many authors described theory in the following way, such as
‘a well-founded clarification of some characteristic of the world of nature; a cohesive structure of
recognized knowledge that can be used to define a precise set of phenomena in a variation of
situations. Theory can be understood as a big umbrella the basis of which is this and other
interpretations, inclusive of several ideologies, theories, triggers, explanations, meanings, and
values. Theories on planning have been raised by different countries over time. These theories
help the planners to change the circumstances of a country. On the other hand, politics is
considered to be the set of activities, which is related to a nation, state, or governance of a zone.
The decision making process is involved in it, which is also related to several group of
individuals. It refers to the attainment and implementation of governance positions —
systematized control over a social community, especially a state. This paper mainly focuses on
the re-regulation and rescale of planning in England from 2010-2019. This paper also sheds light
on the changes which has been observed in the English Planning System, which is introduced by
the UK government and since 2010 it became as a part of a project to change planning. While
discussing the English Planning System it also elaborates National Planning Policy Framework,
Regional Spatial Strategies, Neighbourhood Development Planning under the Localism Act,
2011 along with several policy changes, such as extension of Enterprise Zones tools.

PLANNING THEORY, POLITICS AND PRACTICE2
Involvement of several aspects in Re-regulation and rescale of planning in
England from 2010-2019
The planning system of England is known as ‘plan-led’. The meaning of ‘Plan-led’ is that
planning policy, national as well as local aim to develop proper plans which provides the
description of what development must and must not get permission of planning, the ways
followed to protect the lands and also pursues to confirm a stability between growth and
conservational protection for the welfare of public.
According to GALLENT, HAMIDUDDIN and MADEDDU (2013), a political system is
a framework within a given society which help to define adequate political methods. In the
period of 15 years (1997–2012) England has observed a significant five waves of statutory
reform.
With the election of a UK Coalition Government in 2010, England has experienced far-
reaching modification in ways to regulate the spatial organization of growth. Localities are
entering a novel period of incentivized growth in a background of stagnation following the
elimination of mechanisms for regional planning and a difficult national goal structure. Local
planning agencies therefore have to shift part of their attention from the ‘top-down’ criteria of
policy, as they come to accept community scale plans more effectively ‘bottom up’. Analysing
the direction of transition, especially at the boundary between planning and economic
development, the discussion induces attention to the problems emerging from these critical
changes in size, and discusses the capacity of sub-national control bodies — Local Enterprise
Partnerships — to determine the tactical planning coordination.
After 1947, the furthermost incredible thing regarding the planning system is that public
interest is involved in it. This recognizes that planning decisions affect citizens, their community,

PLANNING THEORY, POLITICS AND PRACTICE3
and the economy, and for this reason decisions must be made by chosen agents rather than
private persons. This is considered to be a pillar of democracy. Therefore, the most influential
right to take part and be heard in environmental-impact decisions is given to the people by the
planning system. If someone wants to construct something, he/she need to take permission
from the appropriate authority. In most of the cases, the decisions has been taken by the local
council, but there are several avenues through which the Secretary of State takes the decision at
the national level (BROWNILL and BRADLEY 2017).
The planning system of the UK involves several theories. In fact, in the changing
environment of re-regulating and rescaling of planning (2010-2019) these theories are used in
England. The theories are discussed below
 System Theory and National Comprehensive: This theoretical model discusses
how the decisions on several policies are taken. It identifies every potential
approaches to resolve dispute and the expenses and advantages of each approach.
 Critical Theory and Marxism: The aim of critical theory is to provide a type of
explanation regarding the social and financial life which is itself liberate.
 Neo Liberal Theory: It is a model of policy, which helps to make a connection
between politics, economics and social studies. Due to this theory the control of
several financial factors shifted from the public sector to private sector.
 Pragmatism Theory: This theory is considered to be a philosophical movement
and includes only those ideas which works reasonably. It also rejects the
impractical propositions.