ABSTRACT
European Union involvement in housing provision has been described as a ‘shadow’ policy which is developing incrementally as a result of a wide range of legislation (Drake 1991). This includes legislation relating to the construction industry, employment, finance, the freedom of movement, social exclusion, and urban and regional planning. It is the last of these areas that is the focus of this chapter. European Union interest in planning has developed rapidly over the last decade and even though it is not directly concerned with planning for housing development, its regional development and environmental policy objectives potentially impinge on this activity. Whether the policies originating from the EU will lead to a gradual harmonisation of urban development planning systems, or whether the current diversity will be maintained, is unclear.
