Regional Strategy, Local Dilemmas, and Values. A Study of Values Underlying a Complex Regional Process and Their Role in Solving Local Dilemmas

Abstract

In the Netherlands, spatial development has shifted over the past two decades from central governance to regional and local authorities, with increasing involvement of non-governmental organisations and citizens. This paper examines the collaborative planning process of the Ruimte voor de Vecht regional strategy in Overijssel’s Vecht Valley as a case study. Adopting a value-oriented rather than an interest-oriented approach, it investigates the values guiding stakeholder decisions and the dilemmas that emerge, particularly the conflict between nature conservation and agriculture. The analysis identifies relevant value sets, storylines, and basic choices, showing how collaborative planning processes can both reveal and help reconcile conflicting values. The paper concludes by assessing whether such complex, value-based planning processes should be embraced as a model for future spatial development practice.