ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors switch their attention to local planning authorities, focusing on the constant negotiation and decision making of development control rather than the more irregular process of structure plan preparation. Local planning authorities consist of two sets of agents: elected councillors and salaried officials. These two groups, referred to as the members and the officers, work together but have different organizational structures, perspectives, priorities and roles. Understanding of district planning councillors requires consideration of two major factors; the party political context within Central Berkshire, and the personal characteristics of the elected representatives. Only since 1974 has party politics emerged as a highly potent force within a local government in the shire counties such as Berkshire. The Labour party strength in Central Berkshire is almost exclusively confined to the new town of Bracknell and the old urban centre of Reading. The impact that elected members have on the planning system is not a function of their individual motivations.
