Planning for Small-scale Retailing: Evidence from Scotland

This article aims to discuss whether there is a need to have a fully integrated national spatial planning framework for the UK to: (1) improve the co-ordination of different policy frameworks; (2) provide completed national spatial coverage and consistent monitoring frameworks; (3) develop a national spatial vision of development; and (4) provide more effective national solutions to the pervasive force of changing spatial structure. A test case of housing and employment is used to explore inter-sectoral issues and the spatial impacts brought by their close interactions. Finally, a future policy and research agenda is outlined to shape the continuous debate and development of a UK Spatial Planning Framework.