Planning in the public interest? : looking for the 'public interest' in English plan-making

摘要: This thesis is about the public interest and how it articulated in English plan-making practices. It recognising that can be conceptualised multiple ways exploring which of these conceptions are apparent planning The literature tells story a concept simultaneously crucial justification for activities, an empty signifier, following its disputed conceptual coherence historic use. The therefore develops understanding different has been conceptualised. resulting framework draws together process outcome focussed suggests use scale, terms both time geography, might help differentiating their To understand influencing contemporary practices, qualitative methods used to explore two cases differ from tradition making plans single local authority. first Central Lincolnshire, formed by merging functions three authorities. second case Peak District National Park, whose designation similarly gives authority power plan large parts other authorities within boundary. However contrast history; was nationally designated, nearly seventy years ago, whilst Lincolnshire far more recent, locally driven construction. The suggest national policy reduces space deliberation what interest, with tendency each dominated particular intended outcomes. this told differently case, virtue scales at aims have impact. In turn significant implications theory practice account interest.