Strategic analysis of the position of neighborhood-based planning in achieving neighborhood development and sustainable urban development using SWOT and QSPM methods (case study: Khaf city)

Document Type : Origional Article

Authors

1 Master's student in Regional Planning and Development, Payam Noor University, Urmia Center

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Tehran

Abstract
Rapid urbanization and unbalanced urban development, especially in developing countries, have led to the formation of neighborhoods with inefficient textures, reduced quality of life, weakening of social capital, and residential instability. In such circumstances, traditional top-down planning is unable to respond to the diverse needs of neighborhoods. In contrast, neighborhood-based planning, emphasizing public participation, optimal use of social, human, and natural capital, and paying attention to the specific characteristics of each neighborhood, has been proposed as a new approach to achieving sustainable urban development. Despite the effectiveness of this approach, neighborhood-based planning has not yet found an established position in many Iranian cities, including Khaf City. This study uses the SWOT model and QSPM matrix to strategically analyze urban sustainability in the Laj neighborhood of Khaf City.The research method is descriptive-analytical and based on a field survey (questionnaire and semi-structured interviews), and the statistical population includes neighborhood residents and urban experts. The results showed that despite the existence of social capital, the neighborhood faces structural weaknesses, spatial inequality, and threats such as social anomalies and youth migration. QSPM analysis showed that the revision (WO), offensive (SO), diversity-oriented (ST), and defensive (WT) strategies have high implementation priority. The selected strategy "Strengthening urban management through modern technologies and university interaction" received the highest attractiveness score. This study shows that achieving sustainable development at the neighborhood level requires a multidimensional and strategic approach with an emphasis on empowering local institutions, strengthening social participation, and utilizing external capacities

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 16 August 2025

  • Receive Date 17 May 2025
  • Revise Date 16 July 2025
  • Accept Date 15 August 2025
  • First Publish Date 16 August 2025
  • Publish Date 16 August 2025