ABSTRACT
The basis of planning in Belgium is the definitive Law for Town and Country Planning, voted on 29 March 1962. The overall organisation of planning in Belgium has a highly centralised structure both in policy-making and procedure. At the central government level, prior to the regionalisation of Belgium, planning was the responsibility of a part of the Ministry of Public Works known as the Office of Urbanism and Regional Planning. Architects and planners often proposed innovations based on concepts of planning being developed in other countries, but these ideas were often not pursued since their significance was not always recognised by the political decision-makers. The government minister responsible for planning is advised by members of his staff, usually junior and inexperienced politicians from his party without training in planning, and this is often reflected in official policy. The activities of the central and local planning authorities are carried out with advice from different types of specialist committees.
