Planning Ethics - Term Paper Example

Planning Ethics Planning Ethics Those in the planning profession, which is by definition a normative one, survey, ify and put into practice changes or new developments in metropolitan settings (Schweitzer, 2014). These changes and new developments, even when not in their entirety, are informed to an extent by preferences and moral principles. On the other hand, the initiation, development and continuous existence of cities are based on factors such as transportation, trade, the use of land, safety, aesthetics and renewal or reconstruction.

From studies of ancient cities, it is evident that they developed in the same ways as modern cities (Nuwer, 2014). While cities must inevitably develop when the opportunities are available, it is the responsibility of planners through planning ethics to consolidate moral principles and the factors that contribute to the initiation and development. This paper will discuss the aspect of “Planning Ethics” with regards to the development of cities and from the understanding that the primary function of planners is to serve the public interest.

The justification for planning ethics is that environmental, economic, political and social development presents both opportunities and threats for the community (Gasper, 2011). On the other hand, planners are primarily responsible to themselves and secondarily to the public and authorities for optimum standards of integrity and proficiency. Therefore, since planners play key decision-making roles, planning ethics dictate that they exercise independent, honest and fair judgment in the services they deliver (APA, 2014a).

Therefore, planning should not only target to develop cities simply because trade opportunities are available and the transport infrastructure is favorable or can easily be upgraded. It should also target the welfare of the citizens so as to result in more equitable and efficient cities for not only the present but future generations as well (APA, 2014b). For example, when oil was discovered in Qatar, the road networks were rapidly expanded and developed to open up trade opportunities but not much consideration was given to the possibility of a population explosion.

However, with the rapid population growth and mostly by expatriates, the city has been forced to upgrade its transport network including an additional airport, new highways and a metro system to ease congestion from its roads. This is because the planners did not take into consideration how development and sustainability relate to each other (TCN, 2014). When planning ethics are involved, the initiation and development of cities does not only benefit a selected number or individuals, especially those with political power or in positions to influence policies.

Rather, all stakeholders, including policy makers, individual citizens and corporate bodies, will participate meaningfully in creating cities that improve everyone’s life. Planning ethics enables planners to develop a wider vision for all stakeholders. Planning ethics provides that planners must align their decisions to what is acceptable conduct rather than personal interests (APA, 2014a). Essentially, the development of cities generates ethical concerns that imply that the factors of development must be viewed from an ethical perspective and the associated costs and benefits distributed fairly and equally (Gasper, 2011).

It can, therefore, be concluded that planning ethics are an essential component in the planning of successful environments for current and future generations. ReferencesAmerican Planning Association (APA). (2014a). Ethical principles in planning. Retrieved from https://www.planning.org/ethics/ethicalprinciples.htmAmerican Planning Association (APA). (2014b). What is planning? Retrieved from https://www.planning.org/aboutplanning/whatisplanning.htmGasper, D. (2011). Development ethics – What? Why? How?

Mexico City: Conference on “Rethinking development: Ethics and social inclusion.Nuwer, R. (2014). Ancient cities developed in a surprisingly similar way to modern ones. Retrieved from http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/ancient-cities-developed-and-grew-surprisingly-similar-way-modern-ones-180949760/?no-istSchweitzer, L. (2014). Professional planning ethics. Retrieved from http://lisaschweitzer.com/2014/02/03/my-planning-ethics-syllabus/The Challenge Network (TCN). (2014). Factors affecting economic and social development.

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