Planning in Crisis?

By Steve Ankers, David Kaiserman, Chris Shepley

Some thirty years ago the small Metropolitan County of Grotton found itself bathed in the bright glare of publicity as The Grotton Papers lifted the lid on the inner workings of the six planning departments of this hitherto little remarked corner of England.

The intervening years have seen Grotton’s County Council aim at the admirable and mostly achievable target of becoming “average with moderate prospects of remaining average” in the Government rankings, and the struggles of the District Councils to come to terms with planning in the late twentieth – let alone twenty-first – century are once again under the spotlight.

The original authors of The Grotton Papers have come together once more to offer an experienced and surprisingly unjaundiced look at the way the British planning system works. Their comprehensive survey allows real lessons to be learnt from what Grotton has – and just as importantly hasn’t – done since they were last in town.

Grotton Revisited is without doubt the finest (and indeed the only) satirical book on this vitally important subject. It is suitable for planners of all ages and abilities, and will be essential reading for anyone who has ever had contact with the planning system, or thinks they may know someone who has. First class entertainment and education for professionals and general readers alike.

Published in association with the RTPI.