This third volume in the series examines the scope and nature of modern town planning in greater depth. It investigates the theories and preoccupations which inform the current planning agenda, compares this with earlier objectives, and discusses likely future trends. The book begins with a review of town planning and then goes on to discuss the five major themes in five parts: the economic context of town planning; planning for housing; planning for sustainability; planning for city centres or decentralization; and changing agendas and agencies. Additionally, it investigates many of the current, and often conflicting, urban policy issues and influences challenging the planning profession, such environmental awareness, the European Union, the economic climate, changing local authority structures and legislative frameworks.