ABSTRACT
The British planning system is unique in Europe. As Newman and Thornley (1996) highlight in their overview of planning systems and policy across the European territory, the British planning process stands in isolation from other European countries. This is a consequence of its development within the legal process that has derived from Common Law, a system that has relied on pragmatism rather than a defined written constitution and bill of civil rights. An unwritten constitution proves flexibility, of course, but it also guarantees no formal rights whatsoever. The relationship between central government and local government, for example, is problematic in this regard since there is no protection if one tier decides to withdraw duties necessary for the other tier to function. Local government authorities in Britain traditionally undertake functions on behalf of central government; they do not possess power over their own affairs as of right, a situation in marked contrast to other European countries where local authorities possess power under the doctrine of general competence. Within these countries, central government will only interfere in the activities of local government if local levels are unable to undertake their functions.
