PLAN40640 Planning Institutions & Govern

Academic Year 2024/2025

The basic function of planning systems is to regulate land-use as a means to guide and manage spatial development. However, different theoretical perspectives exist which debate the nature and purpose of planning which pose deeper questions about the role of planning in society. Moreover, planning systems operate within a broader legal and political system which in an Irish context at least, incorporates the European Union, central government, planning authorities, interest groups and individual citizens. This module aims to develop students’ understanding of the theoretical, institutional and legal landscape which provides a governance framework for planning practice. Although set within a wider international context, these themes will be examined through the lens of the Irish planning system and will be delivered through 3 key learning units as follows:

LEARNING UNIT 1 – THE ROLE OF PLANNING: explores the emergence of planning as an area of public policy and professional practice and examines a number of key theoretical perspectives which provide a critical framework for thinking about the role of planning and planners in society. This unit also critically reflects on the influence that different theoretical paradigms have had on the contemporary planning practice, paying particular attention to neoliberal approaches to planning and development, and the ‘communicative turn’ in planning.

LEARNING UNIT 2 – PLANNING INSTITUTIONS, PROFESSIONAL CODES AND LEGAL SYSTEMS: examines the key agencies and institutions in planning in Ireland, set within a broader European context. This unit also challenges students to critically reflect on the moral, ethical and legal obligations of elected representatives and practitioners in planning practice with particular emphasis on professional and ethical codes of conduct. Finally, this unit provides students with an understanding how planning laws are made looking at the separation of powers between the legislature, executive and judiciary within the context a common law system.

LEARNING UNIT 3 – PLANNING INSTRUMENTS, PROCESSES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORKS: evaluates the legal and administrative framework that shapes planning practice in Ireland. This unit will focus on the core features of planning law including: the hierarchy of plans and policy; the legal interpretation of development; the development management process; planning appeals; judicial reviews; marine spatial planning and enforcement procedures associated with unauthorised development.

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Curricular information is subject to change

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.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Laboratories

12
Autonomous Student Learning

164
Total

200
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module uses a mixture of lectures, practical lab sessions, guest speakers and in-class discussion. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Individual Exam (60%) End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60

 No
Portfolio: Portfolio of lab work (40%) Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

40

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.