Two years' later

Abstract

Reviews the fate of strategic planning in the North after the abolition of the metropolitan counties. Joint arrangements between the local authorities that replaced them have not been an adequate substitute. The quality of planning is deteriorating. For example the strong policy direction given by the GMC is now breaking down with damaging effects especially in shopping and transport planning. There are bright spots and good intentions but the interdistrict bodies are under-resourced and no-one tackles regional strategic land-use planning. -M.Cawkwell