Perceptions of the common good in planning

摘要: Abstract There has been plenty of debate in the academic literature about nature common good or public interest planning. is a recognition that idea one extremely difficult to isolate practical terms; nevertheless, scholars insist ‘…remains pivot around which debates planning and its purposes turn’ (Campbell & Marshall, 2002, 163–64). At point first principles, these have broached political theories state even philosophies science inform critiques rationality, social justice power. In arena specifically, much scholarship tended focus on theorising move from rational comprehensive system 1960s 1970s, now dominated by deliberative democracy form collaborative theoretical terms, this framed movement what are perceived as objective elitist notions practice decision-making ones considered (by some) be ‘inter-subjective’ non-elitist. Yet despite significant conceptual debate, only small number empirical studies tackled issue investigating perspective practitioners. What do practitioners understand planning? Do they actively consider it when making decisions? governance/institutional barriers exist pursuing paper, sorts questions addressed using case Ireland. The methodology consists series semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 urban planners working across four authorities within Greater Dublin Area, findings show most frequently cited definition balancing different competing interests avoiding/minimising negative effects development. results practitioner views far removed lofty ideals theory reflect ideological shift an institution heavily neoliberalised since 1970s.