Planning for Polycentricity. The Development of a Regional Plan for the Oslo Metropolitan Area

Abstract

Polycentricity has become a principle of strategic regional planning in order to concentrate land use and optimise infrastructure. This paper discusses the possibilities and challenges for a polycentric strategy in relation to Norwegian regional planning. The focus is on the spatial strategy in The regional plan for land use and transport for Oslo and Akershus, and its reception among local authorities, upon which the plan’s implementation depends. We have studied the plan’s aims and principles in relation to the interests of municipal and district councils as these are communicated in consultative statements in the planning process. The plan aims to increase competitiveness, sustainability, efficient land-use and transport in the region. Polycentric principles are favoured in order to ensure territorial cohesion based on the aims. Even though the plan is generally supported, local authorities point to the risk of intra-regional competition, unequal resource distribution, and unsustainable densification in regional centres. These are challenges that may hamper the sustainable development of the Oslo metropolitan area.