ESRC research projects
Developing the learning potential of appraisal in spatial planning
University of Liverpool
Ms Sue Kidd
- Develop a deeper understanding of the learning issues raised by appraisal in the context of spatial planning and recommend measures to improve practice in the UK.
- Assess how different appraisal methods and contextual factors may affect learning experiences.
- Identify the skills, knowledge and further research needed to improve learning outcomes associated with the appraisal of spatial planning.
The appraisal of policy actions to identify potential impacts and promote more sustainable patterns of development has become an increasingly important feature of government. Over time, a range of scientific and more participatory approaches to appraisal have developed.
There has also been growing recognition that appraisal could play a valuable learning role, not only leading to more sustainable public plans and programmes, but also helping to transform individual and organisational attitudes and working practices in support of sustainable development. However, to date the learning aspect of appraisal is not well developed.
The project aims to develop a deeper understanding of the learning issues raised by appraisal in the context of spatial planning and to recommend measures to improve practice in the UK and elsewhere.
It will start by examining how ideas related to individual and organisational learning may be applied to appraisal.
This thinking will then inform the analysis of three case study local development plan appraisals. These will be based in the UK, Germany and Italy and have been selected as they exhibit very different approaches to appraisal.
The findings will provide a closer insight into how different appraisal methods and contextual factors may affect learning experiences. They will also help to identify the skills, knowledge and further research needed to improve learning outcomes associated with appraisal of spatial plans.
Research outputs will include presentations and published papers aimed at both both academic and professional audiences. The findings of the project will be incorporated in an update of the Sustainability Appraisal module which forms part of the Royal Town Planning Institute's online Master of Planning.
ESRC is the UK's largest research funding agency for social and economic issues.
