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Journal overview

Planning Theory & Practice provides an international focus for the development of theory and practice in spatial planning and a forum to promote the policy dimensions of space and place. Planning Theory & Practice aims to challenge theory and change practice and is distinctive in its commitment to publishing content which combines intellectual rigour with practical impact.

The Editors invite theoretically informed and robustly researched papers which raise issues at the leading edge of planning theory and practice. Papers on controversial subjects are welcomed and supported. Authors are requested to draw out the wider significance of their particular contribution and to write for a broad disciplinary and international audience.

The journal’s innovative Interface section adopts an original approach to stimulating critical and challenging debate through academic publishing. This includes promoting dialogue between the academic and practitioner communities, encouraging analytical reflection on practice and practical engagement with theory. Each issue of Interface offers a multifaceted investigation of a topical theme, in the form of a series of contributions reflecting on an issue from different perspectives.

The journal’s Comments and Reviews section comprises Policy & Planning Briefs, which provide critical insights into key policy developments and analysis of spatial plans, Book Reviews, and Comments on a current issue and rejoinders to articles previously published.

The range of Planning Theory & Practice includes:
• Developing the theoretical and methodological foundations of planning theory and practice, as well as urban studies more generally;
• Developing the contributions of the planning field to social science, both analytically and normatively;
• Exploring the relationship between theory and practice, including reviews which examine emergent practices and interpret them in the light of current intellectual debates;
• Challenging the impact of intellectual ideas through critical reflection and review;
• Examining policy development in particular fields such as housing, regeneration, transport, urban design, participatory practice, diversity and climate change.

The journal is co-owned by the Royal Town Planning Institute and Taylor & Francis

Recent AESOP Prize Success for PTP

Papers published in the journal have either won or been short-listed for the highly prestigious Association of European Schools of Planning (AESOP) Best Paper Prize for 7 out of the last 8 years. Planning Theory and Practice has been the most successful journal amongst the prestigious entrants in this well-regarded competition.

AESOP Prize Success for PTP

In 2015 Mee Kam Ng won the AESOP Best Published Paper Award for her article Intellectuals and the production of space in the urban renewal process in Hong Kong and Taipei.

In 2014 Petter Naess et al were shortlisted for the AESOP prize, for their article ‘ Knowledge-based land use and transport planning? Consistency and gap between ‘state-of-the-art’ knowledge and knowledge claims in planning documents in three Scandinavian city regions

In 2013 Paul Lawless and Sarah Pearson were shortlisted for their article: ‘ Outcomes from Community Engagement in Urban Regeneration: Evidence from England's New Deal for Communities Programme

In 2011 Paula Meth was shortlisted. Her article 'Unsettling Insurgency: Reflections on Women's Insurgent Practice in South Africa' was praised by the judges for its unflinching and nuanced account of the repressive, as well as the positive, aspects of insurgency.

Similarly 2010 saw Kevin Krizek and Carissa Schively Slotterback's article 'Is There a Role for Evidence-Based Practice in Urban Planning and Policy?' shortlisted for outstanding contribution to the debate on the integration of planning theory into everyday practice.

In 2009, Mee Kam Ng's paper, 'From Government to Governance? Planning in the First Decade of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region' was shortlisted for its incisive discussion of the controversies surrounding the development of the Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong.

2008 likewise saw recognition for an article by Enrico Gualini and S Majoor, 'Innovative Practices in Large Urban Development Projects: Conflicting Frames in the Quest for New Urbanity'.

In 2006, the prize was won outright by Dr Kate Shaw, with an original interpretation of the role of city cultures as a form of heritage. 'The Place of Alternative Culture and the Politics of its Protection in Berlin, Amsterdam and Melbourne' was praised by the judges for tackling 'important paradoxes for planners in multicultural cities'.

Endorsements

" Planning Theory & Practice (PTP) has quickly become a major force in the field of urban and regional planning scholarship...the speed with which PTP has become a magnet for the best scholarly authors in planning is astounding. I believe it now ranks as one of the top five English language planning journals in the world, in terms of the quality of the work published."

Professor Bruce Stiftel
2004 President of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (USA)

“To submit my manuscript to Planning Theory and Practice was a very fruitful learning experience. The commentary offered by the journal was very accurate and provided a constructive critique using a very motivating tone. I recommend the journal to all those authors who have great ideas and still few experience in publishing in high impact journals on planning. The positive feeling, which all the editors transmit, really helps to motivate the work needed to advance the quality of your manuscripts.”

Enza Lissandrello

“If you are concerned about the quality of life in either your neighborhood, city or region; feel enthusiastic and knowledgeable about a planning effort to improve the situation; and want to share your insights about the planning process or its outcome, please, consider writing an article for Planning Theory and Practice (PTP).

PTP bridges the conventional divide between theory and practice of planning: it provides a forum for individuals who want to transcend such conceptual dichotomies and are inspired by complex but hopeful analyses of planning processes and outcomes.

PTP 's intellectual scope and institutional reach are both local and global: whether you care to write about planning of your neighborhood or that of cites and regions in other nations, PTP offers you a deliberative forum of the highest quality with a large number of contributors.

I urge you to join this international and exceptional forum on the theoretical underpinnings of effective planning practice.”

Bish Sanyal

Peer Review Statement
All research articles submitted to the journal undergo a rigorous peer review process, based on initial editor screening and anonymized refereeing by at least three referees. Interface articles are subject to rigorous peer and editorial review and revision prior to a decision about publication. Comments and Policy & Planning Briefs are commissioned by the Editors, and all commissions are subject to rigorous editorial review and revision before publication.

Authors can choose to publish gold open access in this journal.

Read the Instructions for Authors for information on how to submit your article.

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See the Journal's own website for advice from the Editors for first-time authors and refereesBridging the Gap: New Planning Theory and Practice Videonews & offers