How effective is zoning in the control of development?

Zoning with binding regulations has only rarely been offered as a solution to problems of uncertainty and delay in the British planning system. Nevertheless there is merit in examining the French control system which appears in principle to be dedicated to the reduction of uncertainty both in timing and decision. Within the context of a general discussion of the merits of zoning and legalised policy the findings of case study research in the Lyon conurbation and an analysis of national development control statistics are presented. It is concluded that a legalised system of zoning does not reduce uncertainty and is often an inappropriate way of expressing policy, and that delay in the formal processing period, in negotiations before an application is lodged and in the prefect's duty to check decisions after they had been taken, is commonplace.