The Politics of Urban Growth: ‘Boosterism’ and ‘Nimbyism’ in European Boom Regions*

Land Use and the Limits to (Regional) Governance: Some Lessons from Planning for Housing and Minerals in England

“…While the region has some autonomy in drawing up housing numbers, in essence the national figure provides a 2 In formulating this analysis we draw upon fieldwork material gathered during studies of each sector at the English local (county) level: Buckinghamshire for housing; Berkshire for minerals. Both our case study areas are located in the south-east of England, an area where development pressures are extremely pronounced but where concern over the protection of rural land is also high (see, for example, Murdoch and Marsden, 1994;Barlow, 1995). The material used in these case studies has been gathered using indepth interviews with the main protagonists supplemented by attendance at key meetings and analysis of secondary sources.…”

Visions, Planning Processes and Outcomes

“…As Barlow (1995) noted, the focus on pro-growth coalitions does not adequately address the role of anti-growth coalitions opposing development. Master planned communities have the potential for substantial environmental, social and financial impact.…”

“…This is not just a difference between public and private sector visions, because supporters and opponents can be found in both sectors. Barlow's (1995) comments about the impact of local political change are also supported by the research. The country club style of development proposed in what is now Forest Lake was approved at the time of Liberal party dominance of the Brisbane City Council.…”

The Dandenong Offensive Industry Zone: a case study in environmental conflict

“…Accordingly, as a consequence of this corporatist relationship, an amendment to the Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme to change the zoning from 'general farming' to 'offensive industry' was quickly approved on 24 December 1975, and notice of the approval was subsequently gazetted on 7 January 1976. The proposed amendment was never advertised and there was no community input into the decision (for overseas comparisons, see Barlow 1995). In hindsight, this was probably unwise.…”