ABSTRACT
This chapter examines some initiatives that by-pass the 'normal' planning procedures: architectural competitions, Special Development Orders and Urban Development Corporations. In a speech to the RIBA in July 1980, M. Heseltine expressed his interest in architectural competitions. Another approach used by Heseltine when Secretary of State was the extended use of Special Development Orders. The Act sets out the general powers of the Urban Development Corporation but there is some flexibility for each order to vary the details. One of the major issues raised by the powers allocated to the Urban Development Corporations is the effect on the processes of local democracy. A major feature of the frameworks is their flexibility and their main purpose is to generate market interest and confidence in sites rather than control exact land allocations. In September 1984, the Public Inquiry was held into the London Borough of Southwark's North Southwark Plan, which had been produced with great involvement of local community groups.
