Insufficient due planning policy in Poland is subject to widespread and justified criticism. This applies to all levels of spatial management. Legal instruments governing spatial planning in Poland are passive - setting out only the legal framework corresponding to a particular area. They regulate what might be developed within its boundaries, however, they do not specify how it is to be accomplished. Therefore, there is a need to develop an integrated spatial development planning, in which also investors and/or stakeholders would be involved. Apart from answering to the question of what is going to be developed, it will also provide a very comprehensive and flexible implementation strategy having regard to different timelines and local amenities (facilities). This paper also brings an example showing how the spatial planning strategy was conducted for the development of the "Fort Bema" housing estates in the Warsaw district of Bemowo. It highlights the relevance of the planning phase for the subsequent in-use (operating) phase.