Locke’s position with the Lords Proprietors might be described as that of “chief planner” for Carolina.

He drafts development standards for towns as well as an illustrative plan that he includes in his instructions to the colonists.

His urban plan provides detailed standards for block size, lot size, street width, waterfront setbacks, and other standards similar to modern planning and zoning ordinances.

Locke also writes guiding principles for regional development that sre remarkably similar to principles of modern planning, including aspects of sustainable development and smart growth.

Such aspects include, a) consistency of development practices with the general plan (Fundamental Constitutions); b) concurrent provision of infrastructure with land development; and compactness of development to promote efficient use of land and access to markets.

The Grand Model allocates more land (sixty percent) and representation to “the people” than to the nobility, suggesting that yeoman farmers are envisioned ultimately to become the backbone of the colony.

Nevertheless, a slave-owning elite is also part of the formula from the beginning.

Where Ashley Cooper sees slavery as playing a vital role was in the establishment of the principal estates.

In December, 1671, he advises against bringing too many of “the poorer sort” to the colony until “men of estates” can first “stock the country with Negroes, cattle, and other necessarys.”