ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the rationalities of planning are both powerful discursive repertoires and reflections of the contexts in which they unfold. Thus, the rationality of development can prescribe appropriate modes of planning to meet the goal of economic growth and can stipulate that the main role of planning is to facilitate the play of market forces. The rationality of environment can focus attention on the intrinsic properties of natural environments and the need to maintain the integrity of these environments. Rationality becomes the expression of 'reason' and unfolds in ways that seem detached from any likely political influence. In seeking to diminish the political pressure bearing upon the planning for housing sector, the Labour government has introduced a number of significant policy modifications. The planning for housing case study shows that, while protection, preservation and environmental constraint are 'goods' that come easily to the spatial rationality, development to meet the needs of those 'in need' does not.
