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Several examples for such collaboration and links to local planning and spatial planning processes can be found in the cases reviewed for this report.

-          The spatial development plan of the city of Leuven treated the Dyle river as a separate structure with high importance to be a blue-green corridor throughout the city. The main aim was to enhance the way the watercourse is experienced. General principles such as higher water storage, improved water quality and erosion measures are also integrated in this plan. In addition, cooperation with project developers makes it possible for the Flanders Environment Agency to do more in terms of restoration in the city centre with less money. The project developers are responsible for opening up covered parts of the river and working out the design of the blue-green corridor. The Flanders Environment Agency participates in the river enhancements.

-          In the city of Nijmegen, the main factor that influenced the selection of the interventions on the River Waal, i.e. moving the dyke back from the riverbank and digging a second river channel in the resulting new area of floodplain, was the possibility to combine them with a larger city redevelopment project. In fact, the restoration project has created a catalyst for an integral development of the area, including a new residential neighborhood on the new island created on the River Waal and on the north shore, the revitalization of the other shore at the old city centre and the creation of a unique new river park.

-          In the city of Mérida, the restoration project on the River Guadiana was linked to the Urban Plan of Mérida.

-          In the city of Łódź, the ability to motivate urban developers to consider innovations linked to stormwater management in development projects has been an important aspect for the stream and river restoration. The restoration of the River Sokołowka and its valley showed that local town plans (spatial development plans) are basic tools for the right investments (green infrastructure, water retention, biologically active areas) to achieve revitalization of the valley to its natural form.

-          Ongoing urban restoration projects also show that except for opportunities, there are also many challenges ahead when it comes to linking restoration with other planning processes. In the city of Leipzig, there are still considerable planning challenges on the way to a full revitalisation of the Leipzig floodplain, because the interests of other water users and owners must be taken into account (flood protection authorities, hydropower producers and urban sanitary environmental engineering). It has also become clear that a full floodplain dynamic cannot be achieved only via the measures of the restoration project (Lebendige Luppe).