Author(s)

U. Kase & K. Lass

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to analyse planning co-operation between the local and regional level and its cohesion problems with national and international level planning. In its nature every plan is an instrument for directing development of society through the process of achieving agreements. Successful planning is continuous co-operation between the various levels of decision-making and different initiative groups. To illustrate co-operation over the different planning levels we focus on planning practices and regional development of Pärnu City and Pärnu County. Secondly we analyse frames of thinking during planning that are set by suggested development trends, land use plans and co-operation over different levels (from local to international). All that stresses widely the importance of the policy aims on more balanced and polycentric systems of cities and a new urban-rural relationship as they are formulated in the ESDP (European Spatial Development Perspective). Keywords: Pärnu, planning, regional development, city regions. 1 Introduction The purpose of planning is to change uncontrolled or casually occurring development into co-ordinated as well as widely wished and understood development. For this development is handled in the context of society. In connection with the transition period, Estonian spatial structure (including regional level) is in the process of modification. Spatial planning should promote spatial balance and consolidation of the international competitiveness, considering limited domestic human and economic resources (Estonia 2010 [1]). This article analyses frames of planning approach and decision-making at regional and state level at one hand and local, which means in case of Estonia

Keywords

Pärnu, planning, regional development, city regions.