This extensively revised edition reinforces this title's reputation as the bible of British planning. It provides an explanation of the nature of planning, the institutions and organizations involved, the plans and other tools used by planners, the system of controlling development and land use change and planning policies pursued.

The 14th edition has been thoroughly updated to reflect the many changes in town and country planning since the last edition. A review is given of the wide ranging changes to the planning system, the nature of plans, and the fuller amount of public participation in the planning process. Major changes have been made to the transport chapter, while there have been updates to heritage planning; the countryside; and the new provisions for devolved and regional government. A major addition deals with social inclusion (and its opposite - social exclusion). A widened discussion of housing policy and land availability draws upon the Cabinet Office study of housing land availability and land prices. Bibliographies and lists of official publications have also been updated.