ABSTRACT
The West Midland Region forms an area of transition between the north and south of England. The distinct geographical variations, which distinguish urban and rural interests, are reflected in the region's administrative boundaries and have played a crucial role in shaping post-war planning policies. By the mid-1980s the region's economic plight and the difficulties associated with its transition from a traditional to an advanced industrial economy were beginning to be fully recognized. These concerns provided the context for the preparation of Strategic Planning Guidance (SPG) for the West Midlands. The Guidance represented an important test of the ability of the new unitary authorities to collaborate and formulate agreed land-use policies for the metropolitan area following the abolition of the West Midlands County Council (WMCC). Regional Planning Guidance(RPG) provided a further opportunity for the Department of the Environment, together with the metropolitan and neighboring authorities, to take stock and begin to adapt their policies to meet the challenges of sustainable development.
