About the Journal

Aims and Scope

Lincoln Planning Review is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to advancing inclusive, interdisciplinary, and cross-cultural research, scholarship, and professional practice in the field of planning. The journal embraces a broad understanding of planning, encompassing environmental, social, economic, spatial, urban, rural, and resource planning and management, as well as related disciplines that engage with the built and natural environments.

The journal aims to:

  • Bridge the gap between theory and practice by publishing work that is conceptually and theoretically rigorous and grounded in real-world planning contexts, including policy analysis, applied research, and reflective practice.
  • Foster inclusive and critical dialogue across disciplinary boundaries and cultural contexts, with particular attention to indigenous knowledge systems, localised planning approaches, and diverse community voices.
  • Encourage the development of early-career scholars and emerging practitioners by providing a platform for high-quality student work, research-in-progress, and practice-based contributions alongside more established academic research.
  • Promote innovation and responsiveness to contemporary environmental and planning challenges, including climate change, adaptation, urbanisation, sustainability, equity, justice, and resilience.

Lincoln Planning Review is a platform for critical reflection, innovative research, and professional and academic dialogue that engages with the social, economic, cultural, and ecological dimensions of environmental planning. The journal serves as a forum for scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and students committed to shaping more just, sustainable, and inclusive environments through planning and related fields.

It welcomes a range of submission types, including empirical research articles, conceptual and theoretical review articles, methodological articles, field notes, case studies, policy and practice reviews, book reviews, dialogue and interviews, interventions, commentaries and opinions, and visual or spatial contributions.

Outline of accepted submission types and indicative word limits

Submission Type

Description

Maximum Word Limit (including references)

Empirical research article

Original, evidence-based studies that advance understanding of planning, environmental management in the broadest sense, or related fields.

8,000 words

Conceptual and theoretical review article

Critical reviews or theoretical explorations of key concepts, debates, or literature.

Methodological article

Discussions or innovations in research methods, tools, and approaches relevant to planning and environmental management in the broadest sense

Field notes

Reports or reflections from fieldwork, community engagement, or professional practice.

5,000

Case studies

Focused examinations of specific projects, initiatives, or contexts, with lessons for policy or practice.

Policy and practice Reviews

Evaluations or analyses of current or emerging policies, plans, or professional practices.

Dialogue and interviews

Transcribed and edited conversations with key scholars, practitioners, or activists.

3,000

Book reviews

Critical assessments of recent publications relevant to the journal’s scope.

2,000

Interventions

Short, provocative pieces aimed at sparking debate or offering timely responses to pressing issues.

Commentaries and opinions

Reflective, analytical, or perspective-based essays on topical themes.

Visual or spatial contributions

Cartographic, photographic, or design-based submissions with accompanying text

Extended Report

It should be concise, clearly written, and provide critical reflection or thematic analysis rather than descriptive accounts of a conference, seminar, workshop or symposia.

Short Report

Provides brief summaries or highlights of a conference, seminar, workshop or symposia.

800

 

Peer Review Process

Articles for the Research section of the journal undergo double-blind peer-review.  Reviewers will be invited to referee manuscripts, providing feedback for authors and recommendations that assist the editors in making a decision on publication.

Work published in the Field Notes and Case Studies sections are authoritatively reviewed but not through a double-blind peer review process.  The author and the reviewer may be known to each other.

Any content that is not peer-reviewed will be subject to Lincoln Planning Review ‘Editorial Team’ review processes.

Open Access Policy

This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.

Sources of Support

LPR would like to thank the Lincoln University Planning Association, the Department of Environmental Management, the Centre for Land Environment and People, and Lincoln University as primary supporters of the Lincoln Planning Review.