Subsidiarity and proportionality in spatial planning

Planning activities at the European, transnational and cross-border levels have increased considerably over recent years raising questions about the European Union's role and authority in the field of spatial planning. The twin principles of subsidiarity and proportionality assist in determining what competences should be assigned to the Community.

Subsidiarity asserts that no responsibility should be located at a higher level than is necessary. For the Community, adherence to the subsidiarity principle provides an initial justification for Community action. Proportionality deals with the Community's choice of means, and controls the intensity of the action.

The objectives of this research project were:

• to examine the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality to planning activities affecting the UK;
• to compare the findings with the experience of planning systems in three selected member states; and
• to establish criteria by which to apply the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality to planning activities affecting the UK.

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