ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the relationship between urban planning, place and localism. It presents an observations and discussions of contemporary events that have been occurring in localities in England. According to the Coalition Government's view implemented since the passing of the Localism Act 2011, localism offers communities an opportunity to take decisions for themselves, often in place of elected local government, and meets an increasing appetite on the part of neighbourhood to become more involved in governing and shaping their destinies. It is possible to suggest that localism is precipitating new neighbourhood interests in both place concern and sustainable urbanism, but those interests often create new forms of local civic entrepreneurialism that have both intended and unintended consequences. Credible localism may occur where discretion is combined with arbitration and incentivisation, with the emergence of new opportunities for neighbourhoods to see places as unique local assets.
