‘Necessary but by no means sufficient ... ’ spatial political economy, town planning and the possibility of better cities: A commentary on Brian McLoughlin's last paper

Abstract

This paper focuses on Brian McLoughlin's last published paper, in which he argued that narrowly focused planning education should be abandoned in favour of spatial political economy. The paper traces the origins and evolution of this position, and identifies the key factors which caused McLoughlin progressively to dismantle his earlier position on systems theory. However, it is suggested that whilst McLoughlin's prescription is helpful in developing the objectives and role of planning, there is also a need to extend his argument in order to ensure that planning is effective.