ABSTRACT
In this introductory chapter the design dimension in planning and its complexities are explored as a prelude to an explanation of how this book evolved from two research projects: one a practice-oriented piece of academic research, the other a piece of research consultancy for the Department of the Environment, itself the principal regulator of design policy and guidance. The key research questions for each project are discussed, the various components of the research – content analysis of plans, case studies of best-practice authorities, studies of policy effectiveness and policy sources – are explained, and their methodological strengths and weaknesses are examined. Finally, the structure of the book is explained, both its content chapter by chapter and the structure of each chapter, in order to allow the reader to use the book in a variety of ways.
