Yr Athro Richard Cowell
Professor of Environmental Policy and Planning, Director of Research and Innovation
- cowellrj@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 6684
- 2.74, Adeilad Morgannwg, Rhodfa’r Brenin Edward VII, Caerdydd, CF10 3WA
- Ar gael fel goruchwyliwr ôl-raddedig
Trosolwg
My research interests cover theoretical and political aspects of the relationship between public policy and sustainable development, with particular reference to land use planning, energy transition and decision-making. I have studied the multi-level governace dynamics around energy transition, looking at drives to expand renewable energy, infrastructure decision-making, and the relationships between energy infrastructure and its environmental and social context.
My current work focuses on the possible effects of Brexit on UK environmental policy. Richard is part of a team working on the ESRC-funded research project 'Divergence, dismantling and contestation: Brexit and the repoliticisation of UK environmental governance', which is part of the UK in a Changing Europe Initiative (see http://ukandeu.ac.uk/ ).
Bywgraffiad
Qualifications
- BA Hons Geography, Cambridge University, (1990)
- PhD, (1995)
Career
Prior to arriving at Cardiff, Richard completed undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the Department of Geography, Cambridge University. Whilst there, he worked as a researcher for the UK Centre for Economic and Environmental Development (UK CEED). Since arriving at the School of Geography and Planning Richard has held appointments as a Research Fellow (1996-2000), Lecturer (2000-2005), Senior Lecturer (2005-2011) and Reader (2011 to present).
In 2010, Richard was appointed as the Course Director for the MSc in Sustainability Planning and Environmental Policy (SPEP). In September 2012, he became the Cardiff coordinator for the international Masters PLANET Europe (MSc in European Spatial Planning and Environmental Policy).
Anrhydeddau a Dyfarniadau
In 2009 Richard was a joint winner of the RTPI Teaching Excellence Award for the innovative teaching and learning methods used in module CPT737Sustainability in Practice (with Dr Jon Anderson).
Aelodaethau proffesiynol
Member of Editorial Board for Planning Theory and Practice (2007-present).
Cyhoeddiadau
2023
- Cowell, R. and De Laurentis, C. 2023. Understanding the effects of spatial planning on the deployment of on-shore wind power: insights from Italy and the UK. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management 66(2), pp. 241-264. (10.1080/09640568.2021.1987866)
2022
- Cowell, R. and Mukherjee, A. 2022. Is planning a barrier to the development of digital network infrastructure? Insights from rural Wales. Planning Practice and Research (10.1080/02697459.2022.2159327)
- Cowell, R. and De Laurentis, C. 2022. Investigating energy infrastructure through the low carbon challenge: technologies, governance and socio-spatial effects. Journal of Environmental Policy and Planning 24(4), pp. 367-374. (10.1080/1523908X.2022.2084054)
- De Laurentis, C. and Cowell, R. 2022. Reconfiguring energy flows: energy grid-lock and the role of regions in shaping electricity infrastructure networks. Journal of Environmental Policy and Planning 24(4), pp. 433-448. (10.1080/1523908X.2021.2008235)
- Henderson, D., Munday, M., Kapitsinis, N., Jones, C., Rana, O., Cowell, R. and Mukherjee, A. 2022. 5G Wales unlocked observatory: final report. Technical Report.
2021
- Windemer, R. and Cowell, R. 2021. Are the impacts of wind energy reversible? Critically reviewing the research literature, the governance challenges and presenting an agenda for social science. Energy Research and Social Science 79, article number: 102162. (10.1016/j.erss.2021.102162)
- Cowell, R. and Webb, J. 2021. Making useful knowledge for heat decarbonisation: lessons from local energy planning in the United Kingdom. Energy Research and Social Science 75, article number: 102010. (10.1016/j.erss.2021.102010)
- Cowell, R., Fischer, T. B. and Jackson, T. 2021. Instituting space for the environment. How might we give the spatial demands of environmental policy goals a firm presence in the planning system? A think piece. Cardiff University, University of Dundee, University of Liverpool.
2020
- Martinat, S., Cowell, R. and Navrátilc, J. 2020. Rich or poor? Who actually lives in proximity to AD plants in Wales?. Biomass and Bioenergy 143, article number: 105799. (10.1016/j.biombioe.2020.105799)
- Cowell, R., Fischer, T. B. and Jackson, T. 2020. Embedding the environment in the local development plan process through SEA: a think piece.
- Cowell, R., Flynn, A. and Hacking, N. 2020. Conceptualizing environmental governance in turbulent times: insights from Brexit and waste in the UK. Political Geography 81, article number: 102217. (10.1016/j.polgeo.2020.102217)
- Cowell, R., Ellis, G., Fischer, T. B., Jackson, T., Muinzer, T. and Sykes, O. 2020. Integrating planning and environmental protection: an analysis of post-Brexit regulatory styles and practitioner attitudes in the UK. Planning Theory and Practice 21(4), pp. 570-590. (10.1080/14649357.2020.1801819)
- Cowell, R. 2020. The role of place in energy transitions: siting gas-fired power stations and the reproduction of high-carbon energy systems. Geoforum 112, pp. 73-84., article number: Volume 112, June 2020, Pages 73-84. (10.1016/j.geoforum.2020.03.009)
2019
- Unalan, D. and Cowell, R. 2019. Strategy, context and strategic environmental assessment. Environmental Impact Assessment Review 79, article number: 106305. (10.1016/j.eiar.2019.106305)
- Davoudi, S. et al. eds. 2019. The Routledge companion to environmental planning. Routledge International Handbooks. Abingdon: Routledge.
- Chodkowska-Miszczuk, J., Martinat, S. and Cowell, R. 2019. Community tensions, participation, and local development: Factors affecting the spatial embeddedness of anaerobic digestion in Poland and the Czech Republic. Energy Research and Social Science 55, pp. 134-145. (10.1016/j.erss.2019.05.010)
2018
- Cowell, R. and Devine-Wright, P. 2018. A 'delivery-democracy dilemma'? Mapping and explaining policy change for public engagement with energy infrastructure. Journal of Environmental Policy and Planning 20(4), pp. 499-517. (10.1080/1523908X.2018.1443005)
2017
- Cowell, R. J. W. 2017. Decentralising energy governance? Wales, devolution and the politics of energy infrastructure decision-making. Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy 35(7), pp. 1242-1263. (10.1177/0263774X16629443)
- Cowell, R., Ellis, G., Sherry-Brennan, F., Strachan, P. and Toke, D. 2017. Sub-national government and pathways to sustainable energy. Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space 35(7), pp. 1139-1155. (10.1177/2399654417730359)
- Cowell, R. J. W. 2017. Policy and practice: the EU referendum, planning and the environment: where now for the UK?. Town Planning Review 88(2), pp. 153-171. (10.3828/tpr.2017.12)
- Cowell, R., Ellis, G., Sherry-Brennan, F., Strachan, P. A. and Toke, D. 2017. Energy transitions, sub-national government and regime flexibility: how has devolution in the United Kingdom affected renewable energy development?. Energy Research and Social Science 23, pp. 169-181. (10.1016/j.erss.2016.10.006)
- Cowell, R. J. W., Ellis, G., Strachan, P., Toke, D. and Sherry-Brennan, F. 2017. Re-scaling the governance of renewable energy: lessons from the UK devolution experience. Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning 19(5), pp. 480-502. (10.1080/1523908X.2015.1008437)
- Cowell, R., Flynn, A. and Hacking, N. 2017. Assessing the impact of Brexit on the UK waste resource management sector. Project Report. School of Geography and Planning.
2016
- Marshall, T. and Cowell, R. 2016. Infrastructure, planning and the command of time. Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy 34(8), pp. 1843-1866. (10.1177/0263774X16642768)
- Downe, J., Cowell, R. and Morgan, K. 2016. What determines ethical behavior in public organizations: is it rules and/or leadership?. Public Administration Review 76(6), pp. 898-909. (10.1111/puar.12562)
- Cowell, R. J. W., Devine-Wright, P. and Devine-Wright, H. 2016. What do we know about overcoming barriers to infrastructure sitting in local areas?. Project Report. [Online]. Department of Energy and Climate Change. Available at: http://www.placewise.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/DECC_Infrastructure_PlacewiseLtd.pdf
2015
- Strachan, P. A., Cowell, R. J. W., Sherry-Brennan, F. and Toke, D. 2015. Promoting community renewable energy in a corporate energy world. Sustainable Development 23(2), pp. 96-109. (10.1002/sd.1576)
- Cowell, R. J. W. 2015. ‘Localism’ and the environment: effective re-scaling for sustainability transition?. In: Davoudi, S. and Madanipour, A. eds. Reconsidering Localism. London: Routledge, pp. 216-237.
- Dühr, S., Cowell, R. J. W. and Markus, E. 2015. Europeanizing planning education and the enduring power of national institutions. International Planning Studies 21(1), pp. 16-33. (10.1080/13563475.2015.1114447)
2014
- Cowell, R. and Lennon, M. 2014. The utilization of environmental knowledge in land use planning: drawing lessons for an ecosystem services approach. Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy 32(2), pp. 263-282. (10.1068/c12289j)
- Cowell, R., Downe, J. and Morgan, K. 2014. Managing politics? Ethics regulation and conflicting conceptions of 'good conduct'. Public Administration Review 74(1), pp. 29-38. (10.1111/puar.12135)
2013
- Cowell, R. J. W. 2013. The greenest government ever? Planning and sustainability in England after the May 2010 elections. In: Haughton, G. and Allmendinger, P. eds. Spatial planning and the new localism. Abingdon: Routledge, pp. 27-44.
- Cowell, R. J. W., Sherry-Brennan, F., Ellis, G. and Strachan, P. 2013. Scotland, renewable energy and the independence debate: will head or heart rule the roost?. The Political Quarterly 84(1), pp. 61-70. (10.1111/j.1467-923X.2013.02431.x)
- Downe, J. D., Cowell, R. J. W., Chen, A. and Morgan, K. 2013. The determinants of public trust in English local government: How important is the ethical behaviour of elected councillors?. International Review of Administrative Sciences 79(4), pp. 597-617. (10.1177/0020852313501270)
- Cowell, R. J. W. 2013. The greenest government ever? Planning and sustainability in England after the May 2010 elections. Planning Practice & Research 28(1), pp. 27-44. (10.1080/02697459.2012.694299)
- Ellis, G., Cowell, R., Sherry-Brennan, F., Strachan, P. A. and Toke, D. 2013. Commentary: planning, energy and devolution in the UK. Town Planning Review, pp. 397-409. (10.3828/tpr.2013.16)
- Cowell, R. J. W. 2013. The Greenest government ever? Planning and sustainability in England after the May 2010 coalition government. Planning Practice and Research 28(1), pp. 27-44. (10.1080/02697459.2012.694299)
2012
- Bristow, G. I., Cowell, R. J. W. and Munday, M. C. R. 2012. Windfalls for whom? The evolving notion of 'community' in community benefit provisions from wind farms. Geoforum 43(6), pp. 1108-1120. (10.1016/j.geoforum.2012.06.015)
- Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Chen, A. 2012. Public confidence and public services: it matters what you measure. Policy & Politics 40(1), pp. 120-140. (10.1332/147084411X581862)
- Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D. and Morgan, K. 2012. Managing Politics? Good conduct and ethics regulation in English local government. Presented at: XVI IRSPM 2012 - XVI Annual Conference of the International Research Society for Public Management (IRSPM), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy, 11-13 April 2012.
- Cowell, R. J. W., Bristow, G. I. and Munday, M. . C. R. 2012. Wind Energy: might community benefit provisions grow community ownership of renewable energy resources?. Regions Magazine 287(1), pp. 12-14. (10.1080/13673882.2012.10554274)
- Szarka, J., Cowell, R. J. W., Ellis, G., Strachan, P. A. and Warren, C. 2012. Learning from wind power. Governance, societal and policy perspectives on sustainable energy. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
2011
- Andrews, R. W., Cowell, R. J. W. and Downe, J. D. 2011. Promoting civic culture by supporting citizenship: what difference can local government make?. Public Administration 89(2), pp. 595-610. (10.1111/j.1467-9299.2010.01875.x)
- Munday, M. C. R., Bristow, G. I. and Cowell, R. J. W. 2011. Wind farms in rural areas: How far do community benefits from wind farms represent a local economic development opportunity?. Journal of Rural Studies 27(1), pp. 1-12. (10.1016/j.jrurstud.2010.08.003)
- Cowell, R. J. W., Bristow, G. I. and Munday, M. C. R. 2011. Acceptance, acceptability and environmental justice: the role of community benefits in wind energy development. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management 54(4), pp. 539-557. (10.1080/09640568.2010.521047)
- Cowell, R. J. W. 2011. Environmental sustainability of, by and for rural Wales. In: Milbourne, P. ed. Rural Wales in the 21st Century: Society, Economy and Environment. Cardiff: University of Wales Press, pp. 273-300.
- Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D. and Morgan, K. 2011. The ethical framework for local government in England: is it having any effect and why?. Public Management Review 13(3), pp. 433-457. (10.1080/14719037.2011.553292)
- Downe, J. D., Cowell, R. J. W., Chen, A. and Morgan, K. 2011. The determinants of public trust in English local government: performance, standards of conduct or socio-economic. Presented at: 33rd European Group of Public Administration (EGPA) Annual Conference, Bucharest, Romania, 7-10 September 2011.
- Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D. and Morgan, K. 2011. Managing politics? Good conduct and ethics regulation in English local government. Presented at: Political Studies Association Annual Conference, Edinburgh, UK, 31 March - 1 April 2010.
2010
- Cowell, R. J. W. 2010. Wind power, landscape and strategic, spatial planning - The construction of 'acceptable locations' in Wales. Land Use Policy 27(2), pp. 222-232. (10.1016/j.landusepol.2009.01.006)
- Feindt, P. H. and Cowell, R. J. W. 2010. The recession, environmental policy and ecological modernization - what's new about the Green New Deal?. International Planning Studies 15(3), pp. 191-211. (10.1080/13563475.2010.509474)
- Cowell, R. J. W. and Owens, S. 2010. Revisiting .. Governing space: planning reform and the politics of sustainability. Environment and Planning C, Government and Policy 28(6), pp. 952-957. (10.1068/c2806)
2009
- Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D. and Morgan, K. 2009. Has the New Standards Framework really made a difference?. Municipal Journal, pp. 26-27.
- Unalan, D. and Cowell, R. J. W. 2009. Adoption of the EU SEA Directive in Turkey. Environmental Impact Assessment Review 29(4), pp. 243-251. (10.1016/j.eiar.2008.11.003)
- Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D. and Morgan, K. 2009. The Ethical Framework for Local Government in England – is it having any effect and why?. Presented at: First Global Dialogue - 'Governing good and governing well': The first global dialogue on ethical and effective governance, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 28-30 May 2009.
- Collins, A. J., Cowell, R. J. W. and Flynn, A. 2009. Evaluation and environmental governance: the institutionalisation of ecological footprinting. Environment and Planning A 41(7), pp. 1707-1725. (10.1068/a4124)
- Unalan, D. and Cowell, R. J. W. 2009. Europeanization, strategic environmental assessment and the impacts on environmental governance. Environmental Policy and Governance 19(1), pp. 32-43. (10.1002/eet.493)
- Ellis, G. et al. 2009. Wind Power: Is There A 'Planning Problem'? Expanding Wind Power: A Problem of Planning, or of Perception? The Problems Of Planning - A Developer's Perspective Wind Farms: More Respectful and Open Debate Needed, Not Less Planning: Problem 'Carrier' or Problem 'Source'? 'Innovative' Wind Power Planning. Planning Theory & Practice 10(4), pp. 521-547. (10.1080/14649350903441555)
- Morgan, K. J., Cowell, R. J. W. and Downe, J. D. 2009. Civilising politics? The impacts of the ethical framework for local government in England. Presented at: 7th Workshop of the EGPA Study Group, Malta.
- Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. and Morgan, K. 2009. Assessing the impact and effectiveness of the ethical framework in local government in England: first interim report to the Standards Board for England. Cardiff: Centre for Local and Regional Government Research, Cardiff University. Available at: http://www.standardsforengland.gov.uk/Resources/Research/2009reports/SBE%20Research%20Report%20Final%20Year1%2022.04.09.doc2.pdf
2008
- Andrews, R. W., Cowell, R. J. W. and Downe, J. D. 2008. Support for active citizenship and public service performance: an empirical analysis of English local authorities. Policy & Politics 36(2), pp. 225-243. (10.1332/030557308783995044)
- Andrews, R. W., Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Turner, D. 2008. Supporting Effective Citizenship in Local Government: Engaging, Educating and Empowering Local Citizens. Local Government Studies 34(4), pp. 489-507. (10.1080/03003930802217462)
- Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Chen, A. 2008. Making sense of service improvement: an empirical analysis of public confidence in local government. Presented at: International Research Society for Public Management Annual Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 26th - 28th March 2008.
- Cowell, R. J. W., Ashworth, R. E., Downe, J. D., Skelcher, C., Bovaird, T. and Chen, A. 2008. Meta-evaluation of the local government modernisation agenda: the state of local democracy: the impact of policy changes on accountaibility and public confidence. London: Department for Communities and Local Government.
2007
- Cowell, R. J. W., Bristow, G. I., Munday, M. C. R. and Strachan, P. 2007. Wind farm development in Wales: assessing the community benefits. Project Report. Cardiff: Welsh Assembly Government.
2006
- Andrews, R. W., Cowell, R. J. W., Downe, J. D., Martin, S. J. and Turner, D. 2006. Promoting effective citizenship and community empowerment: A guide for local authorities on enhancing capacity for public participation. Project Report. [Online]. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Available at: http://www.safercommunitiesscotland.org/Documents/Promoting%20Effective%20Citizenship%20and%20Community%20Empowerment%20(2006).pdf
2005
- Downe, J. D., Cowell, R. J. W., Bovaird, T. and Chen, A. 2005. Meta-evaluation of the local government modernisation agenda: progress report on public confidence in local government. Project Report. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
- Andrews, R. W. and Cowell, R. J. W. 2005. Civic education and local government: a literature review: Report for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University Business School.
- Downe, J. D., Andrews, A., Cowell, R. J. W., Martin, S. J. and Turner, T. 2005. Supporting citizenship and local democracy: The role of local government. London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
2004
- Cowell, R. J. W. and Abram, S. 2004. Dilemmas of Implementation: "Integration" and "participation" in Norwegian and Scottish local government. Environment and Planning C 22(5), pp. 701-719. (10.1068/c0350)
2003
- Cowell, R. J. W. 2003. Substitution and Scalar Politics: negotiating environmental compensation in Cardiff Bay. Geoforum 34(3), pp. 343-358. (10.1016/S0016-7185(02)00081-7)
- Cowell, R. J. W. and Martin, S. J. 2003. The joy of joining up: modes of integrating the local government modernisation agenda. Environment and Planning C Government and Policy 21(2), pp. 159-179. (10.1068/c0135)
2002
- Cowell, R. J. W. and Thomas, A. H. 2002. Managing nature and narratives of dispossession: reclaiming territory in Cardiff Bay. Urban studies 39(7), pp. 1241-1260. (10.1080/00420980220135581)
2001
- Owens, S. and Cowell, R. J. W. 2001. Land and limits: interpreting sustainability in the planning process. London: Routledge.
- Cowell, R. J. W. and Martin, S. J. 2001. Integrating best value and other initiatives. Discussion Paper. Improvement and Development Agency for Local Government.
My research interests cover theoretical and political aspects of the relationship between public policy and sustainable development, with particular reference to land use planning, energy transition and decision-making. I have studied the multi-level governace dynamics around energy transition, looking at drives to expand renewable energy, infrastructure decision-making, and the relationships between energy infrastructure and its environmental and social context.
I am involved in a number of projects at present:
1) Analysis of the possible effects of Brexit on UK environmental policy. I am part of a team working on the ESRC-funded research project 'Divergence, dismantling and contestation: Brexit and the repoliticisation of UK environmental governance', which is part of the UK in a Changing Europe Initiative (see http://ukandeu.ac.uk/ ).
2) A closely related project is a study of the possible effects of Brexit on UK waste policy, identfying a number of scenarios. See http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/explore/find-a-project/view/836789-uk-environmental-governance-post-brexit-what-will-happen-to-waste
3) A review of the effects of spatial planning approaches to onshore wind energy development, looking at Scotland within a comparative analysis of the UK.
I also research and publish on ethics, governance and politics.
Within the School of Geography and Planning I am a member of the Environment Research Group.
