In This issue

In Context - Local identity is a national stew The massive thumbs down that electors in most major cities gave to the idea of local elected mayors two weeks ago was a huge governmental own goal.

A pragmatic president The RTPI president says he is satisfied that the institute was effective in making changes to the NPPF, and the focus is now on supporting councils in straitened times.

Efforts begin to fill the guidance gap The Planning for Climate Change guidance for councils published by the Town and Country Planning Association on behalf of the Planning & Climate Change Coalition (PCCC) poses predictable questions about the status of unofficial interpretations of gov...

Our centres face a flexible future We are putting the finishing touches to the draft opportunity area planning framework for Croydon town centre, developed with the London mayor to supplement the London Plan.

History shapers Most conservation experts agree that the new national planning policy retains robust measures needed to protect England's heritage. But the policy puts pressure on councils to do the detail - and rapidly. Susanna Millar reports.

GOD shines light on planning critique flaws Richard Garlick : It may not have seemed like it at the time, but it transpires that the planning system had a sympathiser at the top of the civil service during the latter days of the Labour administration and the early years of the coalition govern...