Originally published in 1975, this was an entirely new approach to the study of environmental planning and problems. Planning had hitherto been generally described as a technical exercise, involving the solving of biological and economic problems. In Environmental Planning: A Political and Philosophical Analysis it is seen as an ideological activity and the development of planning in Britain and the nature of contemporary environment problems are analysed in terms of social and political theory.

The book discusses the nature of 'planning', its relationship to 'politics' and examines the groups and ideas which had been instrumental in its development. It tries to determine how important the environment is to people and how decisions affecting planning are made. In particular it looks at the theories and assumptions behind environmental policy, suggests alternatives and describes the role played by 'participation' and pressure groups in influencing planning in Britain at the time.