Nordregio will on behalf of Miljøverndepartement in Norway review housing planning processes and practices. The overarching objective is to compare the effectiveness of urban planning systems with regards to both the formal system (i.e. legal framework), and actual planning practices (i.e. resources). The project will focus on how a detailed/local/regulatory plan for housing developments is produced in selected Nordic and European states. The Norwegian planning system is the focal point for the project, which will be compared and contrasted through case studies conducted in Sweden, Denmark, Germany and United Kingdom.