Land Management and Means of Planning Control: Centralized versus decentralized, and planning led versus market led approaches - a global European overview and the case of Denmark

The paper presents an overall understanding of the Land Management Paradigm for Sustainable Development. It is argued that such an understanding is important for facilitating a holistic approach to the management of land, properties, and natural resources being the key assets of any nation or jurisdiction. The paper then identifies the different means of planning control such as a centralized versus a decentralized approach and planning led versus a market marked led approach. This is presented in a European context through a short overview of the various planning systems that reflect the historical and cultural developments of the European countries. Finally, the paper presents a short overview of the Danish approach to planning and landuse management as an example of a planning led approach placing the decision-making power especially at the local level. This concept of decentralization comprises a finely tuned relationship between a strong national authority and autonomous municipal councils. The purpose is to solve the tasks at the lowest possible level so as to combine responsibility for decision-making with accountability for financial, social, and environmental consequences. To put it shortly: “Planning is politics”.