Planning evaluation is required to establish the success of planning interventions - both of physical developments and new approaches. Yet this should not be a task undertaken purely by professionals without participation by those affected by the process and outcomes of the projects. This book provides case studies and advice on how to balance conservation with economic growth, the cost effectiveness of plans alongside the effects upon the community and the importance of engaging with all stakeholders involved in a project.

Practical aspects of the evaluation process covered include:

• how evaluation is used in planning
• introducing new kinds of information or criteria
• alternative ways of collecting/presenting information
• how strategic planning objectives are implemented in local practice.

International contributors provide empirical studies and cases of application which are of practical value to those involved in the evaluation of planning. The book concludes by offering a new paradigm - a locally oriented, context-specific, participatory and multi-disciplinary approach to planning evaluation.

Evaluation is a critical stage in urban and regional planning and development, with the consideration of alternative proposals essential for informed debate and decision. Evaluation in planning has become even more important with the new paradigm attempting to integrate economic efficiency with equity, sustainability and social responsibility. The craft of pre-development evaluation has long been influenced by Nathaniel Lichfield, and in his honour, this book brings together prominent researchers and practitioners to discuss evaluation in planning: its conceptual foundations and subsequent development, its strengths and persisting dilemmas, and its best practices and their potential for improving future planning and development. The chapters trace evaluation in planning from its historical origin to current applications. Part one reviews the evolution of evaluation theory and practice, and part two contains a selection of best-practice application. The final integrating chapter notes key problems, and offers directions for future development in evaluation research and practice.

Planning evaluation is required to establish the success of planning interventions both of physical developments and new approaches. Yet this should not be a task undertaken purely by professionals without participation by those affected by the process and outcomes of the projects. This book provides case studies and advice on how to balance conservation with economic growth, the cost effectiveness of plans alongside the effects upon the community and the importance of engaging with all stakeholders involved in a project.

Practical aspects of the evaluation process covered include:

• how evaluation is used in planning
• introducing new kinds of information or criteria
• alternative ways of collecting/presenting information
• how strategic planning objectives are implemented in local practice.

International contributors provide empirical studies and cases of application which are of practical value to those involved in the evaluation of planning. The book concludes by offering a new paradigm a locally oriented, context-specific, participatory and multi-disciplinary approach to planning evaluation.

Evaluation is a critical stage in urban and regional planning and development, with the consideration of alternative proposals essential for informed debate and decision. Evaluation in planning has become even more important with the new paradigm attempting to integrate economic efficiency with equity, sustainability and social responsibility. The craft of pre-development evaluation has long been influenced by Nathaniel Lichfield, and in his honour, this book brings together prominent researchers and practitioners to discuss evaluation in planning: its conceptual foundations and subsequent development, its strengths and persisting dilemmas, and its best practices and their potential for improving future planning and development. The chapters trace evaluation in planning from its historical origin to current applications. Part one reviews the evolution of evaluation theory and practice, and part two contains a selection of best-practice application. The final integrating chapter notes key problems, and offers directions for future development in evaluation research and practice.