Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Influenced by discussions at European level and the interest to achieve inter-
national economic competitiveness, the Vijfde Nota identified six national urban
networks (replacing the long-standing 'compact city concept'). The report also
introduced the concept of 'spatial quality', which is explained in terms of spatial
and cultural diversity, economic and social functionality, social justice, sustainabil-
ity, attractiveness and 'human measure'.
STRATEGIC SPATIAL PLANNING IN GERMANY
The Compendium (CEC, 1997) has described the German approach to spatial
planning as following the comprehensive integrated model, similar to the Dutch
approach, yet of a federal nature and more regulatory and more hierarchical than
Dutch planning. Spatial planning in Germany is based on the fundamental prin-
ciples of federalisation and subsidiarity, and the integration of sectoral policies
(based on strong territorial responsibilities) through comprehensive planning instru-
ments and procedures. The German planning system and building law are very
complex, not least because of the federal structure of the country. Reflecting the
general legal approach, with its strong emphasis on codification, the planning laws
are set out very precisely and there is considerable attention to legal interpretation
(Hooper, 1989).
A principal objective of the federal legislation is the achievement of equality
of living conditions throughout the country. Supra-local spatial planning in Germany
is based on the concept of Raumordnung ('spatial ordering'). Raumordnung is
understood as comprehensive planning aimed at establishing spatial order and
setting the direction for development by co-ordinating and harmonising the spatial
impacts of various policy sectors (Turowski, 2002). In Germany the planning
system generally operates at the level of the state ( Land ) or below. The Länder and
municipalities have constitutionally guaranteed powers to organise planning and
express spatial policies for their territories. The Bund (federal level) has limited
competences for spatial planning, but ensures a certain level of conformity in the
planning legislation of each Land by issuing general regulations on spatial develop-
ment policy. This is done in close co-operation with the Länder , in the Ministerkon-
ferenz für Raumordnung (MKRO) (Standing Conference of Bund and Länder
Ministers for Spatial Planning). Following German reunification and increasing
European integration, efforts have since the 1990s been aimed at introducing
more flexibility into the planning system and at following a more proactive spatial
development approach. This was expressed in the overhaul of the major pieces of
federal framework legislation that regulate spatial planning in Germany: the Rau-
mordnungsgesetz ( ROG , 1998) (Federal Spatial Planning Act), which is the frame-
work federal legislation on spatial planning, and the Baugesetzbuch (BauGB,
1998) (Federal Building Code), which contains legislation on land use planning
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