Implementation and county structure plan policies for rural areas in Britain

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Abstract
The analysis of the impact of rural planning policies has traditionally assumed a rational progression from written policy to programmed enactment on the land or in the communities concerned. This assumption is being increasingly questioned as evidence is presented of a ‘gap’ between policy‐making and policy‐implementation. Written policies may thus be regarded as ‘pious hopes’ or ‘ideal outcomes’ rather than as detailed blueprints of what will actually happen. This paper seeks to analyse the degree of awareness of the realities of the implementation theme demonstrated by county planning authorities during the historical development of their structure plans. The importance of central state guidelines and financial forecasting is assessed, and the knock‐on effects between implementation deliberations and policy prescriptions is described. Finally, conclusions are reached as to the state of awareness and readiness of authorities to cope with factors beyond their control which radically restrict their ability to implement chosen policies.