Dissolution rather than consolidation - questioning the existence of the comprehensive-integrative planning model

Abstract

Previous research has shown that the comprehensive-integrative planning model seems to be expedient for modernising planning systems, specifically regarding the relation between spatial planning and sectoral policies. However, contemporary, and particularly comparable studies are non-existent. Based on empirical findings from a European research project our comparative analysis explores whether spatial planning in nine countries conforms to key features of this idealised planning model. Our analysis reveals discrepancies regarding how spatial planning is positioned in relation to sectoral policies across the various countries. We argue that this planning model appears rather to be in a state of dissolution than of consolidation.

The Spatial Planning System and Practice in Post-Socialist Romania: Between the Heritage of “Systematization” and Europenization

“…In this way spatial development policy is regulated by two laws, and the management of spatial development is organised by two institution where the horizontal coordination is compeletly missing. It is not a particular situation for Romania, we can find identical situation for many national settings (Trkulja et co., 2012;Schmitt and Smas, 2023). Other consequence of the EU integration was that Romanian planners became part of what Waterhout (2008) has termed as European planning community.…”

“…It does not change on the broad picture: that means a generalized mismatch in coordinating the two large vertical systems of spatial policy making: the spatial planning policy and the sectoral and regional development policies. This statement is largely reinforced by the latest study realized by Schmitt and Smas (2023), focusing on ten sectoral policies (energy policy, environmental policy, transport policy, cultural heritage, tourism policy, housing policy, cohesion and regional policy, agricultural and rural policy, industrial policy, retail policy, and waste and water management) from nine countries grouped in three macroregions (Scandinavian countries, Western European countries and Eastern European countries: Oland, Hungary and Romania), all assigned in the European Compendium to a comprehensive integrated planning type. The findings of this study indicate clearly low levels of vertical and horizontal integration, especially in the case of Romania (see table 1).…”

National Support Initiatives in Nordic Spatial Planning

“…It is a planning system that explicitly aims to achieve a degree of horizontal and vertical integration of policies across sectors and jurisdictions (Nadin & Stead 2013). Schmitt and Smas (2023) question whether that planning model is undergoing consolidation or might, in fact, be susceptible to dissolution. Their empirical indings reveal variations regarding both the role of spatial planning within various sectoral domains and how those diverse policy ields in luence the discourse in spatial planning.…”

Raumordnerische Steuerungstypen der wohnbaulichen Siedlungsentwicklung in Deutschland. Eine bundesweite Analyse der eingesetzten Planungsinstrumente in allen deutschen Planungsregionen

“…Während Harrison, Galland und Tewdwr-Jones (2020) mit Verweis auf England und Dänemark argumentieren, dass die formelle Regionalplanung überflüssig geworden sei, zeigen Smas und Schmitt (2021), dass die formelle Regionalplanung in vielen europäischen Ländern immer noch existiert und modernisiert wurde und somit relevant sei. Gleichzeitig nimmt die Integration und Koordination verschiedener Fachplanungen durch die querschnittsorientierte Regionalplanung beim Blick auf verschiedene europäische Länder eher ab (Schmitt/Smas 2020).…”