How we plan in 2050

By 2050 we learnt from the sins of the past. Historically the great achievements were mainly as result of the single minded vision of an individual. However individual vision became barren as society demanded to be consulted on everything that could impact on the individual. The unfortunate byproduct of extensive consultation was that thinking became incrementalism. There was no shared vision of the future, except that we will be flexible and competitive in order to complete internationally. So we became excellent adapters and made the best of what we had.

The first steps beyond a 1 year plan or a five year plan was the Transport 21 initiative of 2006. At last a recognition that longer term planning was required. However a 15 year vision was so short term even in the context that the m50 took at least 20 years from drawings to completion.

In 2050 the National Development Plan is updated every five years and is always with a 50 year time horizon. All major infrastructure items give benefits over 150 years on average.

Long term planning with regular updates were the beginning of developing a shared vision which provided the guide for all short terms plans, integrated area plans, and the development of a less adversarial planning system, where planning professionals demonstrated their transparent consultative processes, undertook to comply with all current planning legislation and regulations, and to whistle blow on developers who did not.

What kind of structure might support such a planning regime ?

What should the role of our planning regulators have ?