Beyond Neighbourhood Planning: Knowledge, Care, Legitimacy

This innovative analysis combines theory, research, and practice to explore how and why citizen voices become effective or excluded in participatory governance. Ethnographic data from detailed studies of neighborhood planning in England illustrate the constraints and possibilities of various participatory practices and social movements. The book concludes with recommendations to re-invigorate community involvement in planning and beyond.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Over the past three decades, there has been a global shift towards engaging citizens in decision-making processes, recognizing the importance of including those who will be affected by the outcomes. However, widespread dissatisfaction exists with the actual instances of citizen-state engagement. One notable example is neighborhood planning in England, which exemplifies this contradiction.

This groundbreaking analysis brings together theory, research, and practice to provide valuable insights into how and why citizen voices become effective or excluded. Ethnographic data derived from in-depth studies of neighborhood planning are utilized to illustrate the limitations and potential of various participatory governance practices and social movements. The book concludes with practical recommendations aimed at revitalizing community involvement in planning and beyond.

The shift towards citizen participation has been driven by a recognition of the need for more democratic and inclusive decision-making processes. It is believed that involving citizens in the planning process can lead to better outcomes, as it allows for a broader range of perspectives and ideas to be considered. However, the reality of citizen-state engagement often falls short of these expectations.

One of the key challenges facing neighborhood planning is the lack of meaningful participation from marginalized communities. Many residents from low-income backgrounds, ethnic minorities, and other marginalized groups may feel excluded from the planning process due to a lack of access to information, resources, and power. This can result in decisions that do not reflect the needs and priorities of these communities, leading to further inequality and social exclusion.

Another challenge is the dominance of certain interests and groups in the decision-making process. Powerful stakeholders, such as developers, business owners, and political representatives, may have undue influence over the planning process, leading to decisions that prioritize their interests over the needs of the community. This can result in the displacement of residents, the destruction of heritage sites, and the loss of green spaces.

To address these challenges, it is important to promote greater citizen participation in neighborhood planning. This can involve a range of strategies, such as community engagement workshops, public meetings, and online platforms. It is also important to ensure that marginalized communities are represented and have access to the resources and information necessary to participate fully in the planning process.

In addition to promoting greater citizen participation, it is also important to address the power dynamics that exist in the decision-making process. This can involve strengthening the role of community organizations and grassroots groups, as well as implementing policies that promote transparency and accountability in the planning process.

Overall, the past three decades have seen a significant shift towards citizen participation in decision-making processes. However, widespread dissatisfaction exists with the actual instances of citizen-state engagement. By promoting greater citizen participation, addressing power dynamics, and ensuring that marginalized communities are represented, we can create more democratic and inclusive planning processes that lead to better outcomes for all.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447362845