MPlan Planning / Course details

This course unit offers an overview of the UK's statutory town and country planning systems, primarily focusing on current developments in England. It encompasses contemporary land-use policy, plan-making, regulatory control systems, and the fundamentals of spatial planning. The module highlights the dynamic nature of these systems, shaped by political and socio-economic changes, including significant legislative reforms such as the Localism Act 2011 and the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. Students will examine how these evolving frameworks impact the practice of planning and sustainable development within the UK's diverse political landscape.

The unit aims to:

Support students to gain a thorough understanding of the statutory town planning systems in the UK focusing on spatial planning in England

Engage students in the evaluation of processes by which planning policies are identified, developed and implemented and their relationship with development management within the English planning framework

Provide opportunity for students to explore the role of planning in the formulation and management of sustainable environments

Improve students’ abilities to analyse, synthesise, and present complex planning information effectively 

Expected outcomes

Upon completing the module, students will acquire an in-depth understanding of the UK's planning systems, particularly focusing on England, and learn to apply this knowledge practically through fieldtrip and workshops. The course enhances critical thinking and analytical skills, essential for navigating complex planning scenarios. Students will also develop strong collaborative and communication skills, vital for professional success in urban planning and real estate. This module aligns with the QAA Benchmark for Town Planning, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands and expectations of the urban planning and real estate professions.

WEEK OUTLINE OF CONTENT

1    Course unit structure and organization

2    The four UK Planning systems

3    Local planning in England - 2004 to present

4     Preferred options for a local plan

5    Neighbourhood planning and supplementary guidance

6    Workshop #1: Plan-making

7    Workshop #2: Planning policies

8    Introduction to development management (control) and its relationship with development plans

9    Introduction to the second assignment & field visit

10   Workshop #3: Masterplan development

11   Workshop #4: Planning application

12     Feedback and revision

This course unit combines theoretical lectures with practical applications through studio work, peer-to-peer learning, and fieldtrips. Learning is reinforced through a mix of individual and group-based project assignments.

Studio work, an essential component of the course, serves as a workshop environment where students engage in project work and course assignments, primarily in group settings. This approach encourages collaborative learning and idea exchange, enhancing the learning experience through peer-to-peer interactions. Although there will be no formal teaching during studio sessions, course tutors will be available for consultation and advice.

The module includes at least one fieldtrip, designed to give students a direct experience of real-world planning environments.

To accommodate evolving educational methodologies, elements of digital learning and e-learning tools may be integrated, offering a blended approach that caters to diverse learning preferences. This may include online resources (asynchronous) and virtual collaboration tools to supplement face-to-face interactions.

Demonstrate coherent knowledge of the UK planning systems, with an emphasis on plan-making and development management in England, by explaining key aspects and differences among the four nations, particularly focusing on England.

Demonstrate comprehension of the nature and scope of spatial planning in urban environments by summarising its key concepts and explaining their application, particularly in the context of England. 

Apply critical evaluation to urban planning issues

Analyse and critique the integration of planning policy and development management in real-world scenarios

Develop and present comprehensive urban policies, incorporating best practices and innovative approaches

Assess and manage complex development proposals, demonstrating practical skills in development management

Write reports tailored to specialist and non-specialist audiences

Demonstrate autonomy by independently analysing various aspects of spatial planning, and reflect on group dynamics through a critical evaluation of collaborative processes in planning projects

Innovatively apply learned knowledge to create original solutions for urban planning challenges

Assignment 1: Group work on local plan making for a broad audience 3000 words 50% Feedback given as per Faculty's timeframe.

Assignment 2: Technical report on a planning application 1500 words 50% Feedback given as per Faculty's timeframe. 

As you progress through the module you will receive ad hoc verbal feedback at the weekly sessions on specific aspects of the units you undertake. The online workshops will provide a more structured opportunity for advice and feedback to groups and individuals as work is undertaken in relation to the two group assignments. The final lecture session will include a feedback and revision element, linked to the subsequent examination. Substantive written feedback on your assignments will be provided on in the usual way through Blackboard. As the course leader, I am also available to discuss specific issues in relation to the module at my office hours or by e-mail appointment (caglar.koksal@manchester.ac.uk). 

Cullingworth, J.B. (2015) Town and Country Planning in the UK. 15th edition. London; New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

Jessica Ferm & John Tomaney (Eds.) (2018) Planning Practice: Critical Perspectives from the UK. London: Routledge.

Sheppard, A., Peel, D., Ritchie, H., & Berry, S. (2017) Essential Guide to Planning Law. Deborah Peel, Heather Ritchie, & Sophie Berry (Eds.). Bristol: Policy Press.

Tewdwr-Jones, M. (2012) Spatial Planning and Governance. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.