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The article discusses the significance of using computer-based data banks for future planning. A data bank is a system of storing useful information in such a way that it could be made available for future use. It highlights the benefits of utilizing computer technology for data banking to store relevant resources for regional and metropolitan planning. According to the author, the main advantage of computer storage of data is that it processed quickly and accurately. It outlines the criteria to be considered in developing a data bank including the specification for selected information, its communicator and the bases for the design of alternative plans.

The article focuses on the emergence of conservation areas in Great Britain and discusses its impact on the regional planning of the area. The three principal objectives of the conservation movement are mentioned. These goals are the preservation of aesthetically valuable architecture, buildings with historic interests and threatened biological species. It also discusses the different aspects of community conservation. Information about the current conservation policies and practices in Great Britain and the so-called flexible conservation policy is presented.

The article focuses on the idea of alternative futures in the art and science of city and town planning. It highlights the factors to be considered for future environmental planning such as population, food supplies and energy requirements. It states that the present ideas of advocacy planning and public participation are significant on planning for alternative futures. For environmental planning, town and regional planners need to determine the function of policy and technical aspects. In relevance, it presents the author's analysis relevant to the future planning in Mauritius.

The article examines the regional planning approach taken by Great Britain following the Second World War. The establishment and functions of Local Planning Authorities based on the Planning Act of 1947 are mentioned. Problems with the established local development plan system are cited, including different levels of wealth enjoyed by various regions, increase of motor vehicles and how to recreate the central areas of existing cities and towns. The regional plan prepared by Professor Myles Wright of the University of Liverpool and his group for the city of Dublin, Ireland is also discussed.

The article examines the planning problems in the temporary township of Kariba, Zimbabwe. It also examines the planning methods adopted by the Federal Power Board in the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland for the Kariba Hydro-Electric Scheme. They include ways to overcome the difficulty in assessing the population and labor supply of the area, the choice of materials for temporary buildings and adequate water supply. Information on the utility services, standards of accommodation and ancillary buildings in Kariba is also presented.

A number of concepts and conditions in current city planning are questioned: the grand master plan delusion; planning after the fact; intermittent master planning; the illusion of complete study; avoiding the critical problems; trying to do everything; sematic confusion; conflicts of role and organization; unrealistic derivation of goals and objectives; failure of city planning in the general public interest; deficiencies of planning personnel; inadequacies of theory and research; underestimating fundamental difficulties of the city planning endeavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planning in the Netherlands is practiced at National, Provincial, and Municipal levels. Regional approach to planning has also been given recognition at the macro- and micro-levels. Industrial stimulation to the less developed areas constitute the main content of macrolevel regional planning, whereas comprehensive approach forms the essence of microlevel regional planning. Mesolevel planning (for the metropolitan areas) has currently gained ground, but it has still to make its headway. In spite of meager natural resources, the material prosperity of the Netherlands is largely owing to its economic and physical planning endeavors at different levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]