Speaker
Description
Participation in decision-making processes is a longstanding issue in both research and practice. It is widely claimed that planning can become socially equitable and more democratic by incorporating stakeholders’ perspectives and altering the power dynamics within urban governance. However, further research is necessary to assess the degree of influence that participation grants to non-powerful stakeholders and to identify the conditions that enhance their impact on decision-making processes. This research examines these issues through a case study of the Lower Ouseburn Valley in Newcastle upon Tyne, that has been subject on ongoing rounds of urban regeneration since the late 1990s, where governance structures have evolved around a community-based trust. By using participant observation and semi-structured interviews, the study analyses the shifts in participatory governance over time. Findings reveal a transition from inclusive, community-led decision-making to tokenistic consultation, reinforcing existing power imbalances. However, the study also identifies conditions under which participatory processes can empower non-powerful stakeholders, including the structure of governance models, the design of participatory mechanisms and the role of trust. By examining these factors, the research highlights the importance of inclusive governance frameworks that prioritise meaningful engagement and redistribute power.
| Keywords | Participation; Urban governance; Power; Lower Ouseburn Valley |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | No |
