ABSTRACT
This chapter explores in more detail the changes that have taken place in urban planning in Britain. The dominant factor that has shaped all aspects of public policy during the 1980s and 1990s has been the radical ideology that sprang on to the political scene with the arrival of the Thatcher government in 1979. The stated aim of this government was to attack the whole concept of the post-war Welfare State and replace it with a more market-oriented approach. As the first comprehensive planning system in Britain was established in 1947 as one element in the formulation of the Welfare State it is not surprising to find that planning underwent considerable change under this ‘New Right’ ideology. However, there was no new comprehensive Act to replace the old ones and instead the changes were of an incremental nature leading to the erosion of the planning system. This is not to say that the changes were insignificant-the constant removal of controls and shifts in priorities have led to a considerable transformation. The flexibility in the British planning system and the power of central government have allowed this major change in planning purpose and role while maintaining the same basic legislative framework.
