ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the evolution of integrated planning for air quality in the UK, in the context of changing approaches to environmental planning and generally to governance and planning in Western countries. Increased concern with the environment gave rise to environmental protection policies in the USA, Europe and other countries. Greater concern for protection of the natural environment for its own sake and against changes that would have adverse impacts on human beings as through global warming. The chapter identifies the tension between the aims of integrated planning and the reality of compartmentalized practice. It offers a forward looking approach and tools in the form of Air Quality Integrated Planning System (AirQuIPS)–providing concepts and techniques that can create common ground and facilitate 'joined-up thinking' by people of diverse backgrounds and interests. AirQuIPS is an interactive computer programme designed to facilitate a new way of working for stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
