Planning: Problems, priorities and prospects

Abstract

The problems and priorities facing the planning profession in South Africa are considered from three perspectives. Firstly, the nature of development is discussed to determine what determines: (i) development: (ii) different socio-economic systems; and (iii) the restrictions on development in the third world. Secondly, the basic planning preferences are reviewed in terms of: (i) the origin of urban planning in the United Kingdom and the United States; (ii) problems arising from the misapplication of priorities; and (iii) the function of the heplanning profession. Thirdly, the situation in South Africa is discussed with regard to the main developmental problems on: (i) national; (ii) regional; and (iii) urban level. A new framework for the future is essential, before significant development can begin.