The European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP) is the most international planning policy document that exists. This book is a comprehensive account of the process of preparing, negotiating and adopting this document. It outlines the differing perspectives of the European member states and shows that the last thing its proponents wanted was a masterplan. The Making of the 'European Spatial Development Perspective' offers a snapshot of contemporary European spatial planning.

The Randstad metropolitan region encompassing Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht in the western Netherlands is regarded worldwide as a model of a successful polycentric metropolis. It is widely cited as an example of an effectively functioning region made up of inter-connected small cities providing complementary functions which together provide the benefits of one larger monocentric city. The methods of strategic spatial planning, regional design and strategic projects are used as models for practitioners and students around the world.

However, the functioning of this...