1. Ashford’s Integrated Alternatives Effective decision-making: Toward adaptive and adapted planning Melanie Muro, Paul Jeffrey & Brian McIntosh Cranfield Water Science Institute

2. Ashford‘s growth programme – A learning opportunity Planning key mechanism for delivering sustainable development No pre-defined single model of and pathway to sustainability  What can be done in planning practice to help promote the uptake of sustainability principles in local development plans and encourage innovative technologies and practices?

3. Factors shaping planning * Based on document analysis and interviews

4. Regulatory framework – One size fits all? National targets / frameworks might result in inappropriate policies & outcomes Regulations fail to provide incentives to innovative solutions

5. Institutional arrangements – Closing the implementation gap? Stakeholder preferences shape policy framing Burden to demonstrate effectiveness, costs & benefits of new solutions on local authorities

6. Knowledge and learning – Room for trial and error? Evolving & emerging policy fields test planners’ expertise

7. Effective decision-making – Adaptive & adapted planning 1.Flexible regulatory framework –Allow room for manoeuvre for developing local solutions –Regulations need to keep up with innovation & knowledge

8. Effective decision-making – Adaptive & adapted planning 2.Continuous process of plan evaluation & updating –Allow space & time for reflection –Accept failure as a learning opportunity

9. Effective decision-making – Adaptive & adapted planning 3.Opportunities for knowledge exchange –Capacity-building within organisations –Include researchers & delivery partners in experiments/pilots (KTP) –‘Bridging organisations’ to collate & disseminate experiences