Abstract The greater city-region of Zurich is expanding, bringing with it attendant problems of pollution and congestion. Dispersing new developments will only lead to increased private transport usage so development should take place within the region served by the existing public transport network. The article focuses on the Glattal region of northern Zurich (Figure 1) pointing out problems (such as high pollution levels and lack of identity caused by suburbanization) and suggesting roles for planning within the canton of Zurich.