A pragmatist lens on local planning practices: the case of the St. Andrews community-driven green belt

Green belts test the capacity of the planning system to reconcile competing demands on the sustainable use of land. In 2002, in response to strong community pressure and against the wishes of the planning authority, the Scottish Executive approved a green belt around St. Andrews. This has yet to be designated, reflecting the challenges facing the local planning authority. The paper examines the St. Andrews case through a pragmatist framework to assess whether this instrument of governance can be effectively reconciled with community-led initiatives for protecting the environment.