ABSTRACT
This chapter develops a conceptual framework to guide understanding of the potential to match policy to reality within small towns. Building on this framework, the degree to which particular 'rural centre' and 'town centre' policy representations can be realised in small towns is discussed. In attempting to match policy representations to reality, place-making needs to be concerned with material realities. Whilst co-location of activity is essential, understanding the material realities of where people live, work, set up business, shop, access services and enjoy leisure needs to extend beyond understanding instrumental motivations. Important within planning for change are 'small town' cultural imageries or representations. The compatibility of change to local representations of place character is often crucial in understanding its acceptability, where changes 'can result in people's sense of continuity with the socio-physical environment being severely disrupted.
