ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the issue of lock-in and dealing appropriately with the challenges of functional interrelatedness and fragmentation of responsible actors on the infrastructure-land use interface in area-oriented planning approaches. On the basis of a literature review the author's conclude that a more hybrid role for evaluation instruments seems desirable. In addition to the traditional purpose of assessing and communicating the effects of integration, evaluation instruments therefore also have a potential function in facilitating processes of stakeholder interaction and generating integrated alternatives. This potential is assumed to be highest in the early phases of integrated planning processes. The instrument Omgevingswijzer is seen by practitioners as a useful addition in the planner's toolbox by addressing the requirements of early, integrated plan-making that strives to overcome lock-in situations. However, tools such as the Omgevingswijzer, seem to be a useful as a, necessary but not sufficient, planning and evaluation instrument for overcoming lock-in situations in planning.
