This paper examines the changing practices of spatial planning, critically engaging with state theory to argue that a new generation ‘soft spaces’ and ‘fuzzy boundaries' occupies key position in emergent planning system. In process we question whether privileged scales sectors can meaningfully be identified current state-restructuring processes. We use interviews national policy makers case study Thames Gateway test our ideas.

This paper argues that spatial planning in England needs to be analysed as a form of neoliberal governance, underpinned by variety post‐politics has sought replace antagonism and agonism with consensus. Conflict not been removed from planning, but it is instead more carefully choreographed some cases displaced or otherwise residualised. achieved through mechanisms including partnership‐led governance arrangements inclusive though vague objectives nomenclature around sustainable growth. Other...

In this paper we put forward the case for viewing ‘spatial planning’ as a political resource, one which has been largely supportive of rollout neoliberal approach New Labour. Drawing on work postpolitics, argue that ironically progressive credentials spatial planning in terms consensus building, policy integration, and search ‘win – win win’ solutions may have helped script out oppositional voices. We then outline how combination changes to systems, devolution, local government reform not...

This paper examines the proliferation of soft spaces governance, focusing on planning. We move beyond more functional explanations to explore politics spaces, specifically how space forms governance operate as integral processes neoliberalisation, highlighting such state facilitate neoliberalisation through their flexibility and variability. Recent restructuring planning sector emerging trends for in England under Coalition government proposals are discussed.

Abstract English planning again finds itself in a transition from one paradigm—spatial planning—to another—localism. Whilst there is uncertainty and debate over the significance of these changes whether they represent rupture or evolution, we argue this paper that such change best understood within framework neoliberalization. Seen perspective form of, contributor to, neoliberal spatial governance. We explore how an understanding helps explain temporal, spatial, sectoral variance as well...

Journal Article Mythic Manchester: Devo Manc, the Northern Powerhouse and rebalancing English economy Get access Graham Haughton, Haughton a aPlanning Environmental Management , University of Manchester Oxford Road, M13 9PL UK graham.haughton@manchester.ac.uk iain.deas@manchester.ac.uk stephen.hincks@manchester.ac.uk Search for other works by this author on: Academic Google Scholar Iain Deas, Deas Stephen Hincks, Hincks Kevin Ward Cambridge Regions, Economy Society, Volume 9, Issue 2, July...

The concept of the Ecological Footprint has become a popular and increasingly used approach in environmental policy planning, for western cities particular. is useful not least as metaphor that effectively communicates message impacts extend beyond built area cities. However, use analysis measuring tool problematic, particularly when it comparisons between jurisdictions. This paper sets out benefits concept, indicates its history use, offers sympathetic critique both theory practice...

Abstract In this article, we explore a particular variant of neoliberal thought by analysing the proposal, design, funding and operation an element transport infrastructure in Sydney, Australia that was developed as public–private partnership (PPP). Although there has been considerable work on theoretical advantages disadvantages PPPs, little empirically informed critical analysis how PPPs operate practice, even less environmental arguments are selectively used to justify PPPs. The Cross...

Abstract This article develops a framework for analysing region‐building processes as spatiotemporal constructs, involving competing spatial imaginaries and attempts at consolidating these through institution building. Central here is the performative role of what we refer to ‘soft space imaginaries’ in ‘phased’ building regions planning economic development over time. We demonstrate how this understanding can be used examine phased enactment successive waves by tracing evolution multiple...

Abstract This article looks at successive attempts to create new spatial imaginaries around three estuary‐based city regions in England: the London–Thames Gateway, Atlantic Gateway/Mersey Belt (Manchester and Liverpool), Hull Humber ports. We develop a framework of analysis for planning regeneration spaces that takes forward debates on relational territorial geographies, creation regional identities as governance objects. Specifically, we adopt long‐term comparative perspective allows an...

This paper looks at how the term ‘sustainable development’ has been used in process of regional plan making over past decade. It emphasizes differing geographies these debates within England, terms sustainable development to justify different types approach parts country. Both drawing on and challenging recent work state theory, argues need see planning as a part multi‐scalar governance system, whose importance should not be underestimated.

In this paper we argue that the emerging new systems for subnational plans and spatial strategies represent a highly contested policy terrain over which battles are being played out about what constitute appropriate scale, scope, process of strategic planmaking activities. Significantly, these debates in different ways parts post devolutionary UK state. The approach adopted here engages with develops existing work on state restructuring sociopolitical rescaling. doing so bring struggles...

This article examines soft spaces, outcomes and infrastructure, trying to make some connections between them. We argue that spaces of governance constitute one the most important but little understood components contemporary sub-national economic development policy.

This paper examines the parallel discourses of ‘lost’ local flood expertise and growing use commercial consultancies to outsource aspects risk work. We critically examine various claims counter‐claims about lost, external in management, focusing on aftermath 2007 floods East Yorkshire, England. Drawing interviews with consultants, drainage engineers others, we caution against that privilege ‘local’ knowledge as ‘good’ expert somehow suspect. urges carefulness interpreting knowledge, arguing...

Abstract This special issue looks at spatial planning and the new localism, focusing on recent changes to policy in England following May 2010 elections when Coalition government came power. As Bas Waterhout, Frank Othengrafen Olivier Sykes note their contribution, English seem be more frequent dramatic than many other European countries. Partly consequence of this, planners critics countries watch carefully experience for what they can learn about reforming systems.

This paper examines how the processes and practices of hazard management skew decision-making towards current concerns, shaping treatment future in present. We reveal norms science policy combine to manage complexity, uncertainty intangibility inherent working long-term time horizons by defining, bounding codifying we understand future. These processes, argue, frequently but not inevitably, constrain influence considerations, resulting 'hazardscapes' where risks become embedded spatially,...