ABSTRACT
A state body carrying out spatial planning can do that more quickly and more effectively if its actions are regarded as legitimate by its citizens. Otherwise, its actions – even if they are formally legal – will be met with distrust and suspicion, leading to opposition. Legitimacy can be earned in three ways: if the state body is recognised by the public as acting on their behalf (input); if the body follows the procedures prescribed for protecting citizens’ rights (throughput); and if the body produces results which are generally recognised as good (output). However, a planning authority which earns legitimacy in one of those ways might not be seen as legitimate in one or more of the other ways. Rules of good governance can help a planning authority to choose a legal approach which its citizens will recognise as legitimate.
