Planning Rights in Theory and Practice: The Case of Israel

Planning rights in theory means the abstract concept of planning rights (PRs): here this concept is defined and the status of real PRs–positive or potential–is explained. Real PRs are always related to a particular context; thus any discussion must be context-specific. A pilot study researched the Israeli planning system: this paper presents the resulting inventory and status of PRs in Israel. A selective review details positive and potential PRs under participation, non-discrimination, human dignity and social justice, and evaluates their effectuation in Israel, compared to some other planning systems. The conclusions summarize the pilot study's findings and recommendations, and develop its implications for research methodology, planning theory and practice.