VCA is grounded in values-led planning (VLP) approach to improve spatial planning practice as an essential and integrated part of land management. It contains an assessment of effects in specific territories based on identified, mainly place-based values and attitudes of primary local stakeholders. It is rooted in ascertaining and acknowledging the values according to their typology and conceptualized participation. Hereafter, the steps from 1.1 to 3.5 of VCA are subsequently proposed: 1. Identification and assessment of values (profesional expertise); 1. Beliefs and preferences of stakeholders (stakeholder deliberation); 3. Allocation of planning alternatives (assessed decision-making). Every step is concerned with particular activities.
VCA mainly targets those, who are involved in the organisation and execution of spatial planning, setting properly institutions and ensuring social involvement into the spatial planning process to substantiate well informed and deliberate decisions, e.g. professional planners, public authorities and NGOs. Thus, the VCA may be useful to any spatial planning tradition within Continental European jurisdiction wishing to develop its spatial planning by incorporating the methodological solutions of the VLP approach.
The role of values is fundamental and their assessments and acceptance contribute to reasonability and sustainability considerations when applying the VLP approach. Thus, the domain of the VCA method is found in ascertaining and acknowledging the values according to their typology and conceptualized participation. Relevant processes (e.g., formal and informal spatial planning, local development, protection of valuable landscapes and related consequent decision-making) strive for collaborative learning by understanding the values of land-related resources and their most efficient usage. Spatial/land use planners as skilled and capable enough professionals in their positions will face new challenges and need to act as competent advisers to stakeholders. Planning activities without focusing on the planning–implementation relationship should be seen as unprofessionally guided. A discourse towards a consensus-oriented planning style will promote the development and management of sustainable communities when it focuses on win-to-win solutions in planning practices.
land-use,spatial planning,values,evaluation,decision-making