The journal articles, reports and book chapters that make up this submission for a PhD by publication represent over a decade of applied academic research into English statutory plan-making processes at the local, sub-regional and regional spatial scales. This period has witnessed major shifts in the administrative, institutional and procedural basis of plan-making which culminated in the major reforms to the planning system introduced via the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The conceptual developments, from rather narrowly defined physical land use planning to broader perspectives based around integrated spatial strategy development and delivery, have been equally significant. Collectively, the thesis provides a rich source of empirical research that sheds light on a number of key aspects of English statutory planning processes that lie at the heart of this shift towards a spatial planning approach. Topics investigated and analysed include the efficiency and effectiveness of policy and strategy making at different spatial scales; the role of central government and the interrelationships of the various partners involved in spatial strategy-making at the regional and local scales; the extent and effectiveness of participation and stakeholder involvement in plan-making; the development of evidence-based policy approaches and the associated monitoring and review of local and regional strategies; and plan implementation and infrastructure delivery, including housing requirements. A significant proportion of the research was derived from externally funded research projects with the explicit intention of rigorously analysing existing planning systems and practice in order to identify and highlight relevant issues, experiences and 'good practice' to inform future policy and practice. As evidenced by citations in academic publications, the research has impacted upon a wide range of other academic work related to land use and spatial planning, particularly in respect of planning processes and governance at the regional and sub-regional scales. Beyond the academic impact, the lessons and findings of this applied research have influenced national government policy and local professional practice in a number of ways, including subsequent national and local policy and practice in respect of participation and stakeholder involvement. local and regional policy monitoring, and plan implementation and infrastructure delivery.