Does local planning culture influence the effectiveness of impact assessments?: reflecting on infrastructure projects in a Dutch UNESCO World Heritage site

Local planning culture significantly enhances the effectiveness of heritage impact assessments (HIAs). A study examining two infrastructure projects near Amsterdam's Defence Line, a UNESCO World Heritage site, found that Dutch planning practices—characterized by inclusivity, transparency, and solution-oriented approaches—positively influenced HIA processes. Interviews with key stakeholders revealed high praise for these attributes, contrasting sharply with perceptions of ICOMOS, the international advisory body, as opaque yet still legitimate. Despite this, the Dutch cultural emphasis on collaborative decision-making strengthened the substantive and transactive effectiveness of HIAs without undermining broader heritage conservation goals.

Patiwael, P. R., Groote, P., & Vanclay, F. (2022). Does local planning culture influence the effectiveness of impact assessments?: reflecting on infrastructure projects in a Dutch UNESCO World Heritage site. Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 40(3), 254–265. https://doi.org/10.1080/14615517.2022.2035647