Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Understand the nature and purpose of planning and examine how planning theory and practice has evolved over time in response to broader political, economic and societal changes;
2. Demonstrate an appreciation of the importance of equality of opportunity and democracy in spatial planning processes;
3. Understand the political dimensions of planning and critically reflect on the moral, ethical and legal obligations of elected representatives and practitioners in planning practice;
4. Appreciate the roles played by key institutions and agencies involved in planning practice and understand the relationships between them;
5. Critically appraise how spatial planning operates within the context of institutional and legal frameworks;
6. Demonstrate an ability to apply planning legislation effectively, from strategic plan making through to the development management process, appeals and judicial review.
Indicative Module Content:
Learning Unit 1: The evolving role of planning in society; Neoliberalisation and post-political planning; The ‘Communicative Turn’ and participatory planning approaches
Learning Unit 2: Planning Institutions and Agencies; Professional and ethical standards in planning practice; Law making processes: the role of the legislature, executive and judiciary.
Learning Unit 3: The third and largest of all learning units includes topics on: Strategic Planning: The hierarchy of plans, policy and guidance and legal requirements within the plan-making process; Development rights and the legal interpretation of development; The Development Management Process; Challenging Decisions: Planning Appeals and Judicial reviews; The legislative basis for Marine Spatial Planning; Planning Enforcement and Post-consent issues.