An Exploration of the Content-Driven Reasons for the Inefficiency of Urban Planning Based on the Comprehensive Plan Approach: The Case Study of Nowshahr Comprehensive Plan

As one of the most effective currents in urban development, comprehensive plans can be taken into account from various or related dimensions and arenas such as the planning system, plan content, the process of preparation, examination, and enactment, the manner of execution, and the executive organization. The present study was an effort to identify the reasons for the inefficiency of comprehensive plans, especially from the viewpoint of the nature and content of this attitude to urban planning. To this end, in line with the examination of the existing theories and standpoints in this regard, we sought to explore the objective instances of the foregoing reasons. This was done through the ex post evaluation of the implementation of the plans in the form of the assessment of the efficiency and feasibility rates of Nowshahr comprehensive plan in specific directions including social and physical dimensions. There are different content reasons for the inefficiency of urban planning based on the comprehensive plan approach. These include following linear, one-way methods, inflexibility and lack of realism, one-way perceptions and trying to solve the problems mainly through physical means, providing numerous details based on fixed and solid frameworks, and impossibility of making correct predictions. These factors are the very challenges that have maimed the effectiveness of Nowshahr comprehensive plan. The unrealistic approach to the determination of city boundaries, the incorrect policy in using open spaces and increasing building density that contrasts the ecologic, touristic, and port nature of the city, and non-fulfillment of most proposed land uses (which has led to a severe lack of service spaces) are among the most evident objective instances of the inefficiency of Nowshahr comprehensive plan through the lens of the foregoing content reasons. The consideration of the reasons for inefficiency and analysis of the objective instances are key solutions that can differentiate the content of urban plans – especially ones that are developed in line with changes in urban planning and proposition of novel attitudes – from the previous plans, and make them more successful and feasible.