Who's afraid of zoning?

Changes to the British Planning System aimed at simplification of controls have introduced the concept of zoning. Far from being a limited and rigid concept, the Australian approach to zoning offers some interesting possibilities because of its balance between flexibility and certainty. The principal elements of an Australian zoning system are described and discussed to demonstrate the opportunities available to planners adjusting to changing political and economic climates. It is shown that it is possible to combine strategic planning with greater certainty in development control.