One of the main aims of the project is for partners to share action-based experiences. Innovative approaches will be presented for restoring the balance between cities and internal and external areas for development. The partners will compare different solutions and adopt elements of best practice. Innovative elements will then be combined in an approach to achieve balanced development. Simple, inter-connected analysis will not be carried out. The idea is to link analysis with planning options. This working method should lead to the definition of joint analytical and study methodologies so that policies for restoring urban balance can be adopted. Overall objective / Objectif général To promote the study of strategies and types of action adopted by those responsible for land planning and economic programming; to achieve functional balance and balanced implementation in such areas. To compare land use policies and economic development strategies for this type of area, as well as strategies for intervention, tools and actions. The project is related to topic C) interregional cooperation, bringing together public authorities in the field of urban development. Regional and local governments in metropolitan areas will be encouraged to use various tools and programmes to try out policies to restore balance. Value is added to actions by the sharing of local government policies and strategies at a transnational level. Expected results / Résultats attendus A consolidated network of four towns promoting a sustained study and sharing of experiences. Four local / regional profiles for dealing with the problem. A Charter of Experiences and a model for restoring balance. Better knowledge of the problem based on a review of the context and consideration of the topic at European and regional as well as local levels. New strategies to strengthen the local viewpoint based on shared experiences / transfers. Efficient application of solutions to deal with common problems. Greater projection of alternatives for restoring links between urban centres and suburbs. Involvement of local / regional entities in the project. Information for drawing up regional programmes and policies aiming to reduce imbalance. All this should help to enhance the operational and strategic approach to restoring balance in urban and suburban areas. The following will be produced: a manual on best practice, a manual containing the model for transferring best practice, a final seminar on results.