Your essay assignment for TCP1014 Planning Processes

The word range for this assignment is 1,500 - 2,000 words. This limit does not include the bibliography,
which should be in the Harvard style. As it is a range, no 10% variance is permitted. You should use the
Harvard referencing system. You should hand this module in via turnitin on blackboard and also hand
one paper copy to the APL reception by the deadline: 12 noon on Monday 18th May 2020

Essay question:

With reference to a planning application of your choice, explain how legislation and policy governed the
process that application went through. Then, explain how law, policy and evidence shaped the final
decision. Finally, in your justified and evidenced opinion, do you think the system promoted good
planning in this instance?

Essay guidance:

You should find a planning application which required a local planning authority in England to make a
decision. The PC workshop session will help you here. Choose one that was submitted after April 2012 or
you will make the task unnecessarily difficult for yourself. Even if the application did not go to appeal you
can still explain what would have happened if it had, if you would like to do that.

In addressing this question you should use your example as a tool to help explain the planning system:
remember that the example is not intrinsically interesting and that marks are awarded for an evidenced
understanding and analysis of the system, not the case example. Your reading, as well as the amount of
words you devote within your essay, should similarly be focused on explaining the system not the case.

How your essay will be marked:

- In order to pass, your essay should address all three parts of the question.
- Make use of the reading list and the set reading provided: take care to use authoritative sources,
marks will be deducted if an understanding of the system is evidenced with poor/ second hand
sources, e.g. local authority websites rather than direct references to the relevant legislation and
policy. Text books can be useful here too.
- A satisfactory essay may contain eight to ten references, most of which will be from the reading
list and set reading. However, you may feel you need to use more. Remember that referencing
something is not the same as having read something thoroughly: you can reference something
where your understanding of it has been drawn from the lectures rather than from a close
reading.
- In addition to the above criteria all the normal essay writing standards listed on the assignment
hand-in form will apply – see below for a more detailed expression of these in relation to this
assignment.

1
 Fail
Inadequate reading
demonstrated
Essay does not attempt all
parts of the question, possibly
due to lack of an essay plan
(relationship between content
and requested material
unclear)
Or
Understanding flawed
40-49
A basic understanding
supported by limited
reading
All parts of the question are
addressed
The essay shows an
understanding of planning
processes
50-59
All parts of the question
are addressed, using
authoritative literature
from the lists provided
Structure may not be fully
convincing in terms of a
systematic argument
throughout the essay
Good connections are
drawn between the
application and the
principles being illustrated
Understanding of
planning processes is
generally good
Reflection on the system
may be limited or lack
depth
60-69
A clear understanding of
planning processes and
how they are represented
in the planning application
Systematic reference back
to reading from the reading
list with good explanation of
its relevance to the
application and to the
principles at hand. Sources
are authoritative.
Well evidenced reflection
showing a capability for
analysis and understanding
of the strengths and
limitations of the English
planning system
Own voice is evident but
well supported by reading
and understanding
70+
All of the criteria in the 60-
69 category are met.
In addition the essay takes
the assignment question
and uses it to demonstrate
critical insight into the
planning system. Planning
application is well chosen
and understood, and it
illustrates broader critical
points as well as facilitating
a descriptive understanding
of processes.
Figures may be used and a
high quality of presentation

Common feedback from last year’s essays

 A strong piece of work demonstrating a good understanding of planning processes
 The essay is well structured and good links are drawn between the planning application and the academic literature
 Referencing is generally correct

2
 You need an introduction setting out the structure and argument of your essay.
 There is no discussion of evidence.
 More professional literature on the policy framework would have been useful, for example from the weekly set reading
 The essay needs a good proof read.
 Create your own title for your essay.
 You have not used good professional or academic literature – make sure you draw on the reading list provided.
 Use subheadings to break up your work and to ensure you address all aspects of the question clearly and systematically.