From the Contents: Part I The Reconstruction Question -- The British Town Planning on the eve of the Second World War -- Part II The Preparation of Planning Machinery -- Part III Replanning London -- The Central Government policy for re-planning London -- The Independent Plans for London - The Modern Architects’ Research Society (MARS) plan - Part IV Redeveloping Central London.-.

The book deals with the formation of the post-Second World War reconstruction and planning machinery in Great Britain and with the re-planning efforts undertaken in post-war London and in particular the redevelopment programme regarding its central area in the form of the comprehensive development projects. The book recreates the atmosphere following step by step the arguments and the events at various political, socio-economic and technical levels. It also contributes in the understanding of the succeeding developments in terms of planning theory and practice. The book is structured into three parts. The first one explores the administrative and statutory developments in town planning matters during the period 1940-59. The second part deals with the plans proposed for London as a whole from independent and official organisations during mainly the 1940s. Finally, the third part examines the proposed projects for the rebuilding of the City of London and for special areas of Central London that suffered from bombing and located on both sides of the Thames.