Stevenage Ltd: Aspects of the Planning and Politics of Stevenage New Town 1945-78

This book examines the politics of planning a new town, focusing on two expansion schemes and the public protest they engendered. It argues that urban managerialism determined urban policy, with the interests of industry alone determining housing and employment. It casts doubt on the notion that protest groups were for democracy and against bureaucracy and concludes that public participation and protest were irrelevant to the decision-making processes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 436 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book, originally published in 1980, delves into the intricate politics of planning a new town, focusing on specific aspects of Stevenage's development from its inception in 1946 to 1978. Serving as a case study, the book explores two expansion schemes aimed at expanding the designated area of the town. However, these schemes sparked public protests, highlighting the significance of examining the structure and actions of three key groups: the urban managers (Stevenage Development Corporation), Stevenage industrialists, and local organizations involved in protest.

The theoretical framework revolves around the concept of "urban managerialism," which sheds light on the constraints imposed on the Stevenage urban managers over the past thirty years. By illustrating how these constraints operate in practice, the book offers valuable insights into issues of theory previously discussed only abstractly by other sociologists of planning, such as Pickvance and Castells.

The author argues that the experience of Stevenage exemplifies a situation where urban policy, particularly in housing and employment, is solely driven by the interests of industry, disregarding the broader societal implications. At the same time, the book highlights the interconnectedness between Stevenage industry and the town's Development Corporation, emphasizing the complex dynamics at play.

The author meticulously examines the membership, strategies, and aims of the various protest groups involved throughout the years, casting doubt on the notion that these groups were solely driven by a desire for democracy and opposition to bureaucracy. Instead, the author suggests that public participation and protest played a limited role in shaping the decision-making processes in Stevenage.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the politics of planning a new town, shedding light on the complex interplay between industry, government, and the public. Through its detailed examination of Stevenage's history, it challenges prevailing notions of urban development and raises important questions about the role of public participation and protest in shaping urban outcomes.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032228914