China’s success in using planning to grow and develop the economy should send a strong signal to UK politicians and the public, the Royal Town Planning Institute says.
China’s recognition of how urban planning is vital to economic growth and civic pride shows what can be achieved when national and local policymakers provide leadership and support for planners.
As the UK develops its strategic relationship with China on major projects and investments such as the National Infrastructure Plan and the Northern Powerhouse, these findings can be useful to provide a more positive interpretation of planning and help counter the perception that planning is a passive obstacle to economic growth" - Mike Harris, RTPI
In a new RTPI-commissioned study, Professor Fulong Wu, Bartlett professor of planning at University College London, sets out China’s experience in using planning to drive economic growth while trying to limit the environmental impact of urbanisation.
“This study undertaken by one of RTPI’s accredited planning schools enables planners everywhere to learn more about planning through the exchange of ideas with other countries. It shows that planning can be at the heart of society, properly resourced and integrated in a multi-disciplinary way," said RTPI president Janet Askew.
Mike Harris, Head of Research of the RTPI said: “We see a confident and positive interpretation of the role of planning in China which is not always the case in the UK. We see a strong willingness to use of planning and spatial plans by Chinese cities to compete and grow, something which can benefit the UK’s devolved city-regions.
“Of course there are problems with their system but the key lesson here is China’s attitude and confidence in robust planning. As the UK develops its strategic relationship with China on major projects and investments such as the National Infrastructure Plan and the Northern Powerhouse, these findings can be useful to provide a more positive interpretation of planning and help counter the perception that planning is a passive obstacle to economic growth.”
Based on evidence drawn from across China in places such as Kunshan (a satellite town near Shanghai), the Yangtze River delta region, and Zhengdong New District in Zhenzhou, the research finds that:
The RTPI-commissioned study “Planning China’s Future: How planners contribute to growth and development” has been undertaken by Professor Fulong Wu, Dr Fangzhu Zhang and Zheng Wang at Bartlett School of Planning, UCL. It is funded through the RTPI’s Small Projects Impact Research (SPIRe) scheme.
The research can be downloaded at: www.rtpi.org.uk/planninginchina