Dave Valler

Professor Dave Valler is a Professor of Spatial Planning and Research Lead in the School of the Built Environment at Oxford Brookes University. He holds a BA (Hons) in Economics from the University of East Anglia and a PhD from Cardiff University (1994). As the coordinator of the School's Planning, Policy and Governance research group, his work focuses on Spatial Planning, Local/Regional Economic Development, Urban Theory/Politics, and Sub-national Governance. He chairs the London/Southeast branch of the Regional Studies Association (RSA) and is a RSA Fellow.

Research Interests: Professor Valler’s research explores strategic spatial planning frameworks, regional economic development, urban governance dynamics, and sub-national policy. His recent work includes studies on the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, Science Vale UK, and comparative analyses of global high-tech regions.

Key Projects: Recent grants include the DLUHC-funded Oxford-Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework (2021–2022), the Leverhulme Trust’s Global Science Scapes Network (2014–2017), and studies on planning obligations and urban growth management in the UK’s South East.

Awards: Fellowship from the Regional Studies Association (RSA). Active in professional networks like the RSA London/Southeast branch.

Teaching: Leads modules such as Strategic Planning and Policy, Contemporary Debates in Design/Planning/Development, and Mediating Change: Governance/Politics/Social Actors. Contributes to courses in Spatial Planning (MSc), Property Development, and Urban Design.

Labs/Teams: Coordinates the Planning, Policy & Governance group and collaborates with the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development.