Planning in between : a case study of three supra-local urban plans in Catalonia (Spain)

Abstract

For over two decades, Catalonia has developed basically local planning and within the municipal boundaries. However, the recent boom of supra-local planning makes clear that the territory is subject of an imminent restructuring. In this context, Supra-local urban plans (PDUs) play a leading role to consolidate the link between the territorial and the local level, exceeding the linear hierarchy of planning to consolidate the territorial model proposed by the Autonomous Government of Catalonia (2003-2010). However, in practice, PDUs present different planning approaches that demonstrate its potential flexibility to adapt its scope and methodology to the uniqueness of each of the urban areas addressed. The aim of this paper is to define the exceptionality of the innovative contributions and the instrumental specificity of PDUs through a multiple case study.