This book investigates the evolution of environmental planning in Britain during a pivotal thirty-year period. It examines the legislative, social, and political forces that shaped environmental policy and practice from the late 1930s through the late 1960s. The work draws upon a range of historical documents and policy analyses to construct a comprehensive overview of the era's planning landscape. It aims to provide a foundational understanding of how environmental considerations became integrated into national planning frameworks.

This work is recognized as a foundational text in the study of British environmental planning history. Its detailed chronological approach and reliance on primary policy documents establish it as a valuable resource for academics and practitioners alike. The book's comprehensive scope offers a thorough understanding of the formative decades of modern environmental policy. It is often cited for its rigorous analysis of the legislative and administrative frameworks that guided land use and conservation efforts.