| Summary: | Focusing on the planning and regeneration process in Belfast this thesis examines the extent to which key groups, attempt to interact with and participate in the plan.ning and regeneration process along with the impact that this participation has on the outcome of various planning and regeneration planslinitiatives. Interviews have been conducted with three categories of respondents: planners and planning professionals, activists from the community sector and the business sector. The information obtained highlights a range of factors which influence the level of inclusiveness of decision making processes in the current climate in Belfast. The research findings indicate that the complexity of governance in Northern Ireland can lead to feelings of exclusion from the planning and regeneration process, in particular for those from disadvantaged areas. In addition the findings suggest that the degree to which the planning and regeneration process is perceived as open and transparent, is an important factor in determining inclusivity. The data also reveal that the announcement of the Review of Public Administration has raised expectations about improving citizen participation in the future and hence a more inclusive planning and regeneration process for all to become involved. This thesis concludes by suggesting that currently the planning and regeneration process is not very inclusive at all, with citizens afforded little opportunity to actively influence plans and documents that have been implemented in the city. I conclude that the principles of collaborative planning along with the actor consulting decision making model may hold the potential for more inclusive, effective and accountable planning and regeneration strategies that genuinely engage the public at all stages of the process.
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