Conflicts in the planning processes of Locally Unwanted Land Uses (LULUs): Case studies in Izmir

Abstract

Land use planning is both a technical and a political process in which many different groups with multiple interests are affected by planning decisions. While every land use planning decision has a potential of creating conflicts, Locally Unwanted Land Uses (LULUs) are the most conflict facing subjects in urban land use planning because of their negative externalities such as health effects, economic costs and harms to environment. This thesis aims to find out the reasons of and solutions for the conflicts in the planning processes of LULUs. The thesis focuses on conflicts about three LULU types including solid waste facilities, fisheries and quarries in zmir, Turkey. Qualitative research design is used with techniques including document analyses, media search and in-depth interviews. In the case studies, the conflicts are analyzed with a proposed analysis method including issues for understanding and resolving conflicts. These issues are used to discuss characteristics and reasons of conflicts and existing and proposed conflict resolution methods. It is found that the reasons of conflicts are not only the negative effects of LULUs such as odor, pollution and noise but also procedural deficiencies such as lack of knowledge and lack of trust. The findings in case studies supported the theoretical works concerning limitations for the success of participatory processes seeking for consensus. Conflict resolution attempts including symbolic benefits rather than considering exact interests of local people should be rethought.