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Abstract
This practice review examines Berlin–Brandenburg's new strategic spatial planning framework and considers, in particular, whether balanced development in this context is now simply a neo-liberal fig leaf and mantra acting as policy cover for more pragmatic accommodations in harsh times. The article concludes that such a judgement would be too harsh with the concept continuing to mould creative engagement by decision-makers.
Acknowledgements
This paper was written during a period of research leave for Michael R. Murray funded by the Irish Social Sciences Platform under the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI4) and research leave for William J. V. Neill funded by University of Aberdeen. This support is gratefully acknowledged. The authors would like to thank officials at the Berlin–Brandenburg Joint Regional Spatial Planning Department for the time given to discussions with them. The comments received from two anonymous referees and the journal editor on an initial version of this article are much appreciated. Finally, the views expressed in this paper remain those of the authors.