John Sturzaker

John Sturzaker is a Professor and the Ebenezer Howard Chair of Planning at the University of Hertfordshire, leading the MSc Sustainable Planning program. He holds a dual affiliation with the School of Life and Medical Sciences and the Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography. His research focuses on community-led planning, urban-rural linkages, and sustainable development. Notably, he co-authored Green Belts: Past; present; future? and edited Rural Planning Futures (2025). Sturzaker is also Co-Editor of the Town Planning Review.

Research Interests:

• Localism and devolution in planning systems
• Neighborhood planning in urban and deprived areas
• Urban-rural dynamics and governance
• Ethics in planning practice

His recent work highlights tensions between economic growth and sustainability, particularly in post-pandemic contexts and through digital planning frameworks. Projects like "Futureproof New Towns" and "Just neighbourhoods?" explore equitable urban development. Awards include Fellowship of the Royal Town Planning Institute (2019) and the Higher Education Academy.

Key contributions include advancing participatory planning methodologies and critiquing the efficacy of green belts in balancing urban expansion with environmental protection.