ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a foundation for considering the structure of planning systems. It also provides an overview of English statutory planning in an international context. The book gives an outline of the English system alongside a summary of key similarities and differences between systems in Europe, the United States and Australia. Substantial residential growth in small towns often proves to be contentious, both in prospect and in terms of its impact. The book examines examples of planned, public-sector-led growth and incremental private-sector-led development. Tracking impacts over a substantial timescale suggests that there are failings of both policy and implementation. The book considers a number of possible approaches to enhancing the vitality and viability of town centers, taking in retail improvement, cultivating the service role and developing a leisure dimension to attract visitors.
