Regional governance is coming to play an increasingly pivotal role in the planning of housing development. It has been argued that an absence of formal accountability lines in regional governance is beneficial because it makes inter-municipal coordination more flexible, without the need for territorial adjustments in local authorities. However, this view is based on a narrow interpretation of public accountability. In fact, regional governance becomes effective when hierarchical accountability arrangements are structured to reinforce horizontal accountability that strengthens self-organising capacity. This paper is based on a study of regional housing planning in the province of South Holland, the Netherlands, and analyses three types of governance modes (hierarchical, horizontal and market-oriented) and public accountability relationships. The measures undertaken in the case under review to ensure effective regional housing planning under changing market circumstances highlight the need to modify accountability arrangements when policy-makers choose a new set of governance modes in order to shape relational dynamics appropriately.

International audienceEU member states are not permitted to provide aid which will distort competition by favouring certain undertakings or the production of certain goods which may then undermine trading in the European market. This prohibition also affects government authorities that are willing to provide cheap land for social and affordable housing. This paper reviews the ways in which land is provided for social housing in the Netherlands and explores possibilities for re-shaping current practices to make them compatible with the regime of the Single European Market

No abstract

Purpose -This paper aims to introduce a new view on the role of the lawyer in the process of development and maintenance of the built environment. Design/methodology/approach -For this paper the research consists of listing and analysing legal questions raised by multiple use of land. A multidisciplinary approach is used from a legal point of view and from a planning development point of view. Findings -It is argued that law is not only a way of setting boundaries, but also should be stimulating to the development and maintenance of the built environment. This is what we call "juritecture". The juritect is a designing lawyer; the legal construction is his responsibility. The juritect should have a role in the design process as early as possible, and he should work together with planners and architects. On the one hand, the work of the juritect seems to be that of a legal craftsman. His toolbox consists of instruments of both property law and contract law. On the other hand, the juritect is a legal scholar. By study and discussion of cases and existing law, he opens the doors to further legal development.Research limitations/implications -This is a first exploratory article on the subject of juritecture. Although it is concluded that this concept will be valid for all legal systems, the article is confined to the continental European Civil legal system and, more specifically, to Dutch law. Originality/value -This paper introduces the new concept of "juritecture", which challenges existing views on the role of the lawyer in the built environment.

No abstract