National Spatial Strategic Plan of England

Abstract

Britain is one of the few European Union member states that does not produce and maintain a strategic spatial plan at the national tier. This study concentrates on the concepts of national spatial strategic plan in England and discusses its the contents and frameworks. To make it more rational, this study also uses European comparators (the Netherlands and France) and English historical precedents to make initial suggestions for the design of a national spatial strategic plan for England. From the experience of the Netherlands and France, the paper discussed which model would be more suitable for England and each key character of these two countries’ national development planning. This study then gives some discussions on the current regional development plan and local development plan system of England and the future of the national spatial strategic plan.