Analysis of the structure plan process of Strathclyde region

Houston, Roger L (1979) Analysis of the structure plan process of Strathclyde region. MLitt(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This analysis examines the Structure Planning process of Strathclyde Region over its first three years of operation from Way 1975 to May 1978. Likewise, the research for this analysis was initiated and coincides with this period, of the re-organization of local government in Scotland. The analysis will follow the different processes pertaining to the development of the Strathclyde Structure Plan over this period., and. where feasible, will conclude whether or not that part of the process might be effective in its particular remit, function or role. The analysis is also an account of Strathclyde's Structure Planning process through time as the process evolved, and took form. It is also, albeit, an informal historical record of how the first Strathclyde Region Structure Plan was assembled and formulated. As the new Development Plan system in Scotland is relatively recent, there has been no significant amount of published data or information on the system in operation. There is a number of published draft and final structure plans and related documents covering the similar system operating in England. These documents provided a useful context for this analysis, but were of limited direct value due to their timing and release, and because of the legislative variations between the English and Scottish Systems, However, the majority of the information incorporated in this analysis was obtained from Strathclyde Regional Council who are responsible for preparing the Structure Plan, and from the Scottish Development Department. In contrast to the previous Development Plan System in Scotland, the Structure Plan, as a part of the new system, is defined in this analysis as a continual process which encompasses flexibility and adaptability in pursuing its basic function of strategic planning with land use implications. Since the planning process has to be moulded differently in accord with every local authority's special and unique charatcteristics, the legislation covering structure plans has provided an open-ended framework in which to construct the structure plan process. The analysis is divided into six progressive chapters. Chapter I presents the legislative and central government guidelines and directives pertaining to the structure plan process, and Strathclyde Region's interpretation of these which led to the production of one Structure Plan to blanket the entire Region, Chapter II analyzes the fraunework and design of Strathclyde's Structure Plan Process, and Chapter III analyzes the form, content, implementation and monitoring system of the Consultative Draft Structure Plan of Strathclyde Region. The relationships in Strathclyde's Structure Plan Process are examined in Chapter IV, Some speculation on the future of Strathclyde's Structure Plan Process is contained in Chapter V. Chapter VI draws together and concludes the salient points contained in the analysis. The overall findings of this analysis confirm that Strathclyde Region established a flexible and continuous Structure Plan Process, However, the analysis suggests that the format of the Region's first Survey Report could have been more effective; and criticises the first Consultative Draft Structure Plan on its format, content, implementation, and monitoring system. Both the length of this Draft Plan and the cumbersome size and detailed nature of its Key Diagram are shown to be inappropriate. The content of the Draft Plan appears to be at its weakest in relation to the effectiveness of its policies and proposals as is suggested by the application of a subjective and collective matrix analysis, Relationships within and between the various authorities and bodies are described as being beneficial and harmonious. A sketch and cross section of a model of these relationships assists in elucidating the complexities of these varied relationships within and between the three tiers of government. The analysis speculates that the Regional Report will probably be continued on a four year cycle in line with the elections, and theorizes that the Consultative Draft Structure Plan will be sufficiently revised before it is submitted to the Secretary of State for Scotland, As this analysis undertakes to present the first three years of Strathclyde's Structure Plan Process, it has done so in the hope that the information and conclusions will contribute to a better understanding of the new Development Plan System operating in Scotland.

• Item Type: Thesis (MLitt(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Additional Information: Adviser: Jean Forbes
• Keywords: Urban planning, Public administration
• Date of Award: 1979
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1979-73662
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 14 Jun 2019 08:56
• Last Modified: 14 Jun 2019 08:56
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/73662