Negotiating within the context of planning reform : public and private reflections from New South Wales, Australia

The process of negotiation has long been recognized as central in plan creation and development assessment. Nevertheless, the appropriateness and willingness to engage in negotiated planning and development outcomes varies between planning systems, development locations and individuals. On one hand, negotiation is seen to facilitate responsive planning outcomes that recognize the unique institutional and development environment. Alternatively, the process of negotiation has been identified as one that delays plan making and development assessment, while simultaneously opening the door for corruption and regulatory capture. Drawing on the reflections and experiences of senior local council officers and private development actors, this article explores the process of negotiation in development assessment in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Within the context of neoliberal planning reform in NSW, the article explores the appropriateness and willingness of different types of councils and developers to pursue negotiated outcomes. The article also identifies the types of developments/developers councils are more likely to negotiate with, and explores how the process of planning reform constrains the scope for negotiated outcomes.22 page(s