It's interesting that on one hand you stress the importance of neighbourhood consultation, yet on the other emphasize urban planning experts. These two can ofte

It's interesting that on one hand you stress the importance of neighbourhood consultation, yet on the other emphasize urban planning experts. These two can often be diametrically opposed in their views. One of the biggest problems with neighbourhood consultation is NIMBYism - sometimes one neighbourhood will suffer (because of increased noise, construction, traffic, etc.) at the expense of broader urban planning initiatives. If every neighbourhood controls their own development you just can't get things done that might otherwise be good for the city. Actually I could say the problem stems from giving outright control to neighbourhoods in terms of development committees - consultation is a good idea, but it can be taken too far.