Theme 1: Challenges of the Built Environment
1.Variations in Quality of Life and Access to Housing
What is housing tenure?
Most people in the UK live in a home that they rent from someone else, one that they own, or one that they buy with the help of a mortgage.
The financial and legal relationships of a householder are described as hosing tenure.
Owner occupation:
In order to access this part of the housing market you need a large lump sum of money (perhaps an inheritance) to buy your hose outright. Alternatively you need a regular wage so that you can convince the mortgage lender you will be able to make the regular repayments on your mortgage. If you fail to keep up with the repayments you can lose your home. This is known as repossession. There are approximately 14.7 million owner occupied households in the UK.
Renting from a private landlord:
Renting from a private landlord suits a wide range of people because this sector of the housing market contains a very wide range of properties from luxury penthouses to tiny bedsits. In many cases the landlord makes an agreement to let the property for only six months. This suits people who are expecting to move again soon, like a student or a young professional seeking a new job, but is less desirable for families wishing to settle down. Around 2.7 million households rent from a private landlord.
Renting from a social landlord:
An alternative to renting fro private landlords is to rent from social landlords. These are not-for-profit organisations such as a housing association or the local authority. People who apply to a social landlord are put on a waiting list and allocated points depending on their housing need. People waiting for social housing have relatively little choice about where they live as this decision is made by the hosing officer. Around 3.8 million households rent their home from a social landlord.
The financial and legal relationships of a householder are described as hosing tenure.
Owner occupation:
In order to access this part of the housing market you need a large lump sum of money (perhaps an inheritance) to buy your hose outright. Alternatively you need a regular wage so that you can convince the mortgage lender you will be able to make the regular repayments on your mortgage. If you fail to keep up with the repayments you can lose your home. This is known as repossession. There are approximately 14.7 million owner occupied households in the UK.
Renting from a private landlord:
Renting from a private landlord suits a wide range of people because this sector of the housing market contains a very wide range of properties from luxury penthouses to tiny bedsits. In many cases the landlord makes an agreement to let the property for only six months. This suits people who are expecting to move again soon, like a student or a young professional seeking a new job, but is less desirable for families wishing to settle down. Around 2.7 million households rent from a private landlord.
Renting from a social landlord:
An alternative to renting fro private landlords is to rent from social landlords. These are not-for-profit organisations such as a housing association or the local authority. People who apply to a social landlord are put on a waiting list and allocated points depending on their housing need. People waiting for social housing have relatively little choice about where they live as this decision is made by the hosing officer. Around 3.8 million households rent their home from a social landlord.
Who rents from a private landlord?
· Students who will be moving on at the end of a course
· People who move frequently because of their career
· Young single adults who aren’t ready to settle down
· People who lost a family home through a divorce or separation
· Migrants to this country
· Households who cannot buy because they do not have savings to pay for a deposit
· Households who do not have enough points to access social housing
· People who move frequently because of their career
· Young single adults who aren’t ready to settle down
· People who lost a family home through a divorce or separation
· Migrants to this country
· Households who cannot buy because they do not have savings to pay for a deposit
· Households who do not have enough points to access social housing
What factors affect access to housing?
Tenure: Not having a lot or money or being in an area dominated by one type of housing such as student.
House prices: In some areas the house prices are very high and some areas up to ten times the average wage of the UK. This can mean hat people are unable to buy houses in their area of choice.
Age: this can be linked to the size of the house as old people tend to need houses that are smaller and will not buy houses in areas where there are lots of homes designed for families. Elderly people may not houses close to city centres due to noise or near student areas.
Gender: There may be areas of a city where women feel unsafe
Socio-economic status: If you are unemployed or on a low wage you may not be able to access expensive housing or renting from private landlords.
House prices: In some areas the house prices are very high and some areas up to ten times the average wage of the UK. This can mean hat people are unable to buy houses in their area of choice.
Age: this can be linked to the size of the house as old people tend to need houses that are smaller and will not buy houses in areas where there are lots of homes designed for families. Elderly people may not houses close to city centres due to noise or near student areas.
Gender: There may be areas of a city where women feel unsafe
Socio-economic status: If you are unemployed or on a low wage you may not be able to access expensive housing or renting from private landlords.
Patterns of housing
Very often the constraints that people have on their incomes and lives will mean they have to live in certain areas of a settlement. This means that people who have similar constraints live together. You will often find different ethnic minorities will live in certain parts of settlements. This is very often due to incomes but also other cultural factors. Also different groups of people have different housing needs. For example, a single person needs a one room apartment whereas a family with teenage children need a home with three or more bedrooms. Some people have special housing needs, for example a wheelchair user will need ground floor accommodation.
How does the urban environment affect quality of life?
Quality of life is a measure of the happiness or contentment we feel and is influenced by a number of factors that include:· Personal health – long term health-related problems, such as asthma, heart disease, obesity or HIV can have serious impacts on out quality of life
· Environment – the environmental quality of the neighbourhood in which we live (traffic noise, congestion, air quality, vandalism) and its
facilities ( shops, transport links, cinema, chemist, schools etc.) can create both positive and negative impacts on quality of life
· Environment – the environmental quality of the neighbourhood in which we live (traffic noise, congestion, air quality, vandalism) and its
facilities ( shops, transport links, cinema, chemist, schools etc.) can create both positive and negative impacts on quality of life
Measuring standard of living and deprivation
Standard of living is a measure of the relative wealth of individuals or families. It can be measured using household income figures. A person's level of qualifications or occupation can be an indicator of income. In regions where unemployment figures are high, or jobs are part time or low paid the number of households living in poverty can by high.
Deprivation is a more complex way of measuring poverty. The Welsh Government monitors deprivation across the whole of Wales. They use eight factors such as: employment, income, education (skills & training), health, geographical access to services, community safety, housing and physical environment.
Deprivation is a more complex way of measuring poverty. The Welsh Government monitors deprivation across the whole of Wales. They use eight factors such as: employment, income, education (skills & training), health, geographical access to services, community safety, housing and physical environment.
Case Study 1: Access to Housing in Chesham/Newscastle-under-Lyme (Coming soon!)
2. Access to Services and Changing Service Provision
Geographical concepts of retailing
Convenience goods: relatively cheap items such as bread or milk and often you will buy these from a shop that is close to home or close to their workplace
Chain store: shops that have more than one retail unit and there may be more than one in a town or city - TESCO etc.
Comparison goods: more expensive goods which you may only once or very rarely
Specialist shops: sell items people are will to travel a long way for and may often be unique
Catchment areas: the area from which a shops draws in its customers. A corner shop has a small catchment area whereas a store selling comparison goods cold attract customers from a much larger catchment area.
Threshold: this is the minimum number of people a shop needs before there is a demand for that item. For example, all consumers need a haircut every few weeks, but consumers only buy a new television every few years. The hairdresser ha a low threshold population and a small catchment area, so even a small town may have more than one hairdresser. A television retailer has a much larger threshold population an a larger catchment area, so would not locate a new shop in a small town or village.
Chain store: shops that have more than one retail unit and there may be more than one in a town or city - TESCO etc.
Comparison goods: more expensive goods which you may only once or very rarely
Specialist shops: sell items people are will to travel a long way for and may often be unique
Catchment areas: the area from which a shops draws in its customers. A corner shop has a small catchment area whereas a store selling comparison goods cold attract customers from a much larger catchment area.
Threshold: this is the minimum number of people a shop needs before there is a demand for that item. For example, all consumers need a haircut every few weeks, but consumers only buy a new television every few years. The hairdresser ha a low threshold population and a small catchment area, so even a small town may have more than one hairdresser. A television retailer has a much larger threshold population an a larger catchment area, so would not locate a new shop in a small town or village.
Shopping hierarchy
What are the current patterns of retailing in UK cities?
The retail hierarchy above means that similar types of shops are found in similar locations within all UK towns and cities.
The diagram to the left shows the shopping zones in a city.
A = City centre shops - CBD
Large covered shopping centres or 'malls' contain mainly chain stores
Many independently owned butchers and grocers have closed due to competition
Department stores are a feature
B = District shopping centres
Parking can be difficult
Fast food outlets and shops catering for ethnic groups
C = Local corner shops
Long opening hours including Sundays
Newsagents, off licenses and takeaways are all common
D = Out-of-town' retailing
Large covered shopping centres or 'malls' contain mainly chain stores
Department stores are a feature
There are large free car parks
Electrical superstores and furniture warehouses
E = Small settlement shops like a village store
Some farmers' markets at weekends
Closure of village post offices
The diagram to the left shows the shopping zones in a city.
A = City centre shops - CBD
Large covered shopping centres or 'malls' contain mainly chain stores
Many independently owned butchers and grocers have closed due to competition
Department stores are a feature
B = District shopping centres
Parking can be difficult
Fast food outlets and shops catering for ethnic groups
C = Local corner shops
Long opening hours including Sundays
Newsagents, off licenses and takeaways are all common
D = Out-of-town' retailing
Large covered shopping centres or 'malls' contain mainly chain stores
Department stores are a feature
There are large free car parks
Electrical superstores and furniture warehouses
E = Small settlement shops like a village store
Some farmers' markets at weekends
Closure of village post offices
The challenges to CBDs
- Many city centres in the UK have been undergoing many problems that have resulted in a loss of trade and shops closing down as detailed below:
- Shop rents were expensive: rents in the CBD are expensive so when people spent less money the shops could not afford the rents.
- Less shoppers: during the recession less people went shopping so hops had less money coming in so closed down
- Being outside meant shoppers could get wet: shoppers do not like this
- Limited range of shops and goods: CBD offered only a limited number of goods
- Rise of internet shopping: people can get goods from the comfort of their own home so do not need to spend money in CBDs
The reasons below are why shoppers have started to shop more in big shopping malls like Meadowhall and retail parks on the outskirts of cities:
How can CBDs attract more shoppers?
There are a number of strategies as detailed below:
Improved town centre signage
Improved parking provisions without penalising car owners
Better use of public open space and the promotion of a continental style café culture
More public toilets
An increase in Sunday trading opportunities
Lower rates to encourage new owners into empty shop units
Joined up thinking in terms of all infrastructure and services, including public transport
Build more car parks
Build more indoor areas or cover parts of the CBD
Pedestrianise the high street (remove/ban cars) so people feel safer in the CBD
More CCTV to reduce crime and people will feel safe in the CBD
Improved town centre signage
Improved parking provisions without penalising car owners
Better use of public open space and the promotion of a continental style café culture
More public toilets
An increase in Sunday trading opportunities
Lower rates to encourage new owners into empty shop units
Joined up thinking in terms of all infrastructure and services, including public transport
Build more car parks
Build more indoor areas or cover parts of the CBD
Pedestrianise the high street (remove/ban cars) so people feel safer in the CBD
More CCTV to reduce crime and people will feel safe in the CBD
Peoples opinions on changes in retail
What do we mean by urban services?
One advantage of living in a large urban area is that you can get access to a range of useful services:
- Leisure and sports facilities such as swimming pools or tennis courts
- Cultural venues such as museums, galleries and theatres
- Health services such as clinics and hospitals
- A range of schools, colleges and universities providing parents with choice
- Places of worship for a variety of faiths
- Specialist shops and services such as travel agents and solicitors
- A variety of public transport services including bus, train and underground
Does everyone have equal access to urban areas?
People living in larger cities such as Barcelona have more choice of services than people living in the countryside but not all city dwellers have the same access to urban services? Some groups of people have better access to urban services than others and this may be because of many reasons:
- The services are not distributed evenly through the urban area. So for example, people living in a central district may have better access to theatres and museums than people living in a distant suburbs of the city
- Some services are more expensive than other, and not all groups of people can afford them
- Due to racism some ethnic minorities may not be able to access different services
- Disabled people may not be able to access to different services if there are not ramps for access
Case Study 3: Access to Mosques in Barcelona (Coming soon!)
3. Urbanisation
Urbanisation is an increase in the proportion (or % of population) of people living in urban areas and a decrease of people living in rural areas.
The map to the left shows an increase in the amount of land that has been converted from countryside into concrete.
This happens because of four main reasons:
Natural increase - as more people live in towns and cities, they have babies and the population increases
Rural to urban migration - this is where people move from the countryside to the towns and cities seeking a better quality of lifeRe-urbanisation refers to the movement of people back into an area that has
been previously abandoned. Re-urbanisation is usually a government's initiative to counter the problem of inner city decline. Inner-city decline usually occurs when problems such as pollution, overpopulation, inadequate housing, etc. arise.
Gentrification - improving an area so people are attracted into the area. This could be re-tarmacking roads, painting houses or fixing fences
An interesting weblink: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/world/06/urbanisation/html/urbanisation.stm
The map to the left shows an increase in the amount of land that has been converted from countryside into concrete.
This happens because of four main reasons:
Natural increase - as more people live in towns and cities, they have babies and the population increases
Rural to urban migration - this is where people move from the countryside to the towns and cities seeking a better quality of lifeRe-urbanisation refers to the movement of people back into an area that has
been previously abandoned. Re-urbanisation is usually a government's initiative to counter the problem of inner city decline. Inner-city decline usually occurs when problems such as pollution, overpopulation, inadequate housing, etc. arise.
Gentrification - improving an area so people are attracted into the area. This could be re-tarmacking roads, painting houses or fixing fences
An interesting weblink: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/world/06/urbanisation/html/urbanisation.stm
Global patterns of urban development
The united Nations (UN) estimates that by 2008 more than half of the world's population will be living in urban areas; larger towns and cities. The urban population which is the % of people living in towns and cities, has grown steadily since the 1950s:
Urbanisation is currently much more rapid in LEDCs than in MEDCs. LEDCs tend to have faster-growing populations than MEDCs and they also have a larger number of people moving from rural to urban areas.
- 30% in 1950
- 47% in 2000
- It is estimated that it will reach60% by 2030
Urbanisation is currently much more rapid in LEDCs than in MEDCs. LEDCs tend to have faster-growing populations than MEDCs and they also have a larger number of people moving from rural to urban areas.
Quality of life in urban and rural areas
The table below shows a number of indicators about quality of life in urban and rural areas. Often life in rural areas is very hard so people have a lower quality of life. Quality of life can be higher in urban areas so people will migrate from rural to urban areas.
People migrate from rural to urban areas due to push and pull factors.
Pull factors are those that attract people to major cities this may include some of the following - Better quality of life, better services (education, health and
entertainment), better opportunities, better paid jobs and better housing.
Push factors are those that push people from the countryside to the major cities. This may include some of the following - Lack of services, few opportunities, low pay, rural poverty, drought and flooding.
People move for a variety of reasons. Conflicts and natural disasters may force people to move, in which case the migrants may be described as refugees. However, in most cases people migrate out choice rather than because of violence or disaster. People generally move because they want to improve their standard of living by finding a better-paid job. A migrant who moves in order to find work is described an economic migrant. Many migrants also expect that moving to the city will improve their quality of life, perhaps by giving them better access to clean water or healthcare facilities.
Useful videos The weblinks explain urbanisation, rural-urban migration and the reasons for it:http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/a-history-of-urbanisation-in-britain/7811.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/rural-urban-migration-moving-to-cape-town/523.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/urbanisation-rio-de-janeiro/518.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/urbanisation-in-china/8006.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/urbanisation-why-do-people-move-to-the-city/511.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/urbanisation-why-do-young-people-move-to-cities-in-south-africa/1482.html
Pull factors are those that attract people to major cities this may include some of the following - Better quality of life, better services (education, health and
entertainment), better opportunities, better paid jobs and better housing.
Push factors are those that push people from the countryside to the major cities. This may include some of the following - Lack of services, few opportunities, low pay, rural poverty, drought and flooding.
People move for a variety of reasons. Conflicts and natural disasters may force people to move, in which case the migrants may be described as refugees. However, in most cases people migrate out choice rather than because of violence or disaster. People generally move because they want to improve their standard of living by finding a better-paid job. A migrant who moves in order to find work is described an economic migrant. Many migrants also expect that moving to the city will improve their quality of life, perhaps by giving them better access to clean water or healthcare facilities.
Useful videos The weblinks explain urbanisation, rural-urban migration and the reasons for it:http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/a-history-of-urbanisation-in-britain/7811.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/rural-urban-migration-moving-to-cape-town/523.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/urbanisation-rio-de-janeiro/518.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/urbanisation-in-china/8006.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/urbanisation-why-do-people-move-to-the-city/511.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/urbanisation-why-do-young-people-move-to-cities-in-south-africa/1482.html
Social and economic impacts of migration/urbanisation
Social impacts:
On the countryside: often it is the young people who migrate. This means that older people have to run vital services. A country will be more reliant on food from abroad as they grow less of their own
On the urban areas: people have to live in shanty towns/favelas often with a poor quality of life. People work in the informal sector often on very small wages. Essential services like rubbish collection and hospitals become stretch so the quality of life decreases.
Economic impacts:
On the countryside: less productive so possible a loss of agricultural exports. More money may need to be spent on hospitals in poorer areas as the population gets progressively more elderly
On the urban areas: a greater cost on schools, hospitals and refuse collection services. More people to fill in vacant jobs in the formal and informal economy.
On the countryside: often it is the young people who migrate. This means that older people have to run vital services. A country will be more reliant on food from abroad as they grow less of their own
On the urban areas: people have to live in shanty towns/favelas often with a poor quality of life. People work in the informal sector often on very small wages. Essential services like rubbish collection and hospitals become stretch so the quality of life decreases.
Economic impacts:
On the countryside: less productive so possible a loss of agricultural exports. More money may need to be spent on hospitals in poorer areas as the population gets progressively more elderly
On the urban areas: a greater cost on schools, hospitals and refuse collection services. More people to fill in vacant jobs in the formal and informal economy.
Case study 4 - Rural to urban migration in Brazil
Case study from specification: a case study of rural to urban migration: patterns, reasons and impacts
Migration in an LEDC - from Caatinga in Northeast Brazil to Sao Paulo
In the course of the last 25 years approximately 20,000 people have moved to city centre.
Why people moved away: Push Factors/Pull Factors PUSH
- Low unreliable rainfall causes droughts.
PULL
- Job in cities like Sao Paulo.
PUSH
- Difficult for farmers to produce enough food to sustain their subsistence way of life.
PULL
- People think there are better job prospects and regular work that is not as back breaking.
PUSH - There is no piped water, electricity or sanitation.
PULL - Better access to services and better transport links.
PUSH AND PULL - Lack of schools and clinics in the area. Belief children will get a better education in the city.
PULL - The glamorous image of the city and ‘bright lights’ attracts people.
Positive effects:
More land is left for the people who stay in the countryside to farm. This increases food supplies and quality of life.
Money earned from rural to urban migrants can be sent home to families in the village improving living standards.
Negative effects:
As the most active leave the village farming will be difficult and left to women, children and the elderly.
The very young and very old tend to be left behind creating an imbalance in the Population structure – negative effects on social activities and recreation.
Migration in an LEDC - from Caatinga in Northeast Brazil to Sao Paulo
In the course of the last 25 years approximately 20,000 people have moved to city centre.
Why people moved away: Push Factors/Pull Factors PUSH
- Low unreliable rainfall causes droughts.
PULL
- Job in cities like Sao Paulo.
PUSH
- Difficult for farmers to produce enough food to sustain their subsistence way of life.
PULL
- People think there are better job prospects and regular work that is not as back breaking.
PUSH - There is no piped water, electricity or sanitation.
PULL - Better access to services and better transport links.
PUSH AND PULL - Lack of schools and clinics in the area. Belief children will get a better education in the city.
PULL - The glamorous image of the city and ‘bright lights’ attracts people.
Positive effects:
More land is left for the people who stay in the countryside to farm. This increases food supplies and quality of life.
Money earned from rural to urban migrants can be sent home to families in the village improving living standards.
Negative effects:
As the most active leave the village farming will be difficult and left to women, children and the elderly.
The very young and very old tend to be left behind creating an imbalance in the Population structure – negative effects on social activities and recreation.
5. Planning Issues
Understanding the planning system
The planning system in England and Wales involves three tiers of decision making. The national government sets overall targets for things such as housing, new schools and transport. Each regional assembly then has to produce a Regional Spatial Strategy. The planners need to consider the impact that the need for new housing will have on other elements of the plan, such as new roads, schools, better waste management or conservation projects. Finally the detailed plans for each local area are produced by local authorities/ They must plan within the guidelines provided by the Regional Spatial Strategy. They consult local people in order to produce a Local Development Framework (LDF)
Who is involved in planning decisions?
The answer is all of us! We are all stakeholders - in other words, everyone has a view on the planning issues that affect their community. A key element of the planning process is that all the stakeholders can become involved. They can respond to the ideas being put forward by the three tiers of the planning process, i.e. national government, Regional Assemblies and local authorities. The aim is that all individuals and groups who may be touched by planning decisions will feel they can contribute to the policy and help to shape it. Stakeholders come in all shapes and sizes, they might be:
- a individual householder who is concerned that a proposed new road will disturb their peaceful home
- a parish council that is keen to see an increase in playground facilities in its area
- a pressure group that is lobbying to protect a specific area of countryside
- development consultants working on behalf of a large landowner who hopes to build a large sports complex
Who would be a planner?
Planners make bold statements about the future. In England and Wales they work with elected councillors to produce a Local Development Framework (LDF). They offer solutions to solve existing problems and develop ideas for a better future.
What do planners need to consider when shaping their LDFs?
What do planners need to consider when shaping their LDFs?
- Public open space
- Housing need
- Transport issues
- Crime/policing issues
- Education opportunities
- National and regional government plans
- Leisure facilities
- Shopping services
- Waste disposal
- Cultural provision
- Work and employment issues
- Landscape and wildlife issues
Sustainable urban living 1
A sustainable city has certain characteristics that relate to its long-term future, which is ideally problem free. The environment is not damaged; the economic base is sound with resources allocated fairly and jobs secure, there is a strong sense of community, with local people involved in decisions made.
A sustainable city - an urban area where residents have a way of life that will last a long time. The environment is not damaged and the economic and social fabric, due to local involvement, are able to stand the test of time.
A sustainable city - an urban area where residents have a way of life that will last a long time. The environment is not damaged and the economic and social fabric, due to local involvement, are able to stand the test of time.
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Conserving the historic and natural environment
The Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City provides an example of conserving an area of previous industrial use and historic commercial and cultural areas. The Liverpool Waterfront and areas associated with its development were designated a World Heritage Site in 2004. The award recognised the importance of the area as a port and associated buildings of global significance during the heyday of the British Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of the buildings are architecturally as they were then, although their function has changed.
The historic environment can be conserved in many different ways:
· old industrial buildings, like warehouses, can be turned into apartments
· rundown houses can be redeveloped to provide housing that will last into the future
· canals in cities can be rebranded and regenerated as leisure facilities
The natural environment can be conserved by cities:
· using more electricity generated renewably, e.g. by solar and wind power
· collecting and recycling water, instead of piping it in reservoirs in the countryside
· running fuel-efficient public transport systems that cause less pollution
The natural environment can be conserved by reducing, or even stopping, development on the edge of the existing built-up area and by encouraging development to
take place on sites that have been previously used in the inner city or other areas. Green belts exist around many large towns in England or in towns where growth is occurring. These were set up to prevent urban sprawl and to ensure that the surrounding countryside is protected from development. This often provides (and the policy intended this) recreational open space for urban residents, limiting available sites on the edge of the city means that alternative locations for development must be offered if growth is to continue. This means that building on brownfield sites is simultaneously encouraged. In addition to limiting the growth beyond the city, as sites are available with
the current built-up areas, there are other advantages of building on brownfield sites that benefit the environment and encourage sustainability.
Advantages of building on brownfield sites
· makes use of sites that have already been developed
· reduces possible waste/derelict land in cities
· countryside is not built on
· leads to contaminated or unsightly sites being cleaned up
· prevents urban sprawl
· reduces commuting and traffic congestion
areas on the edge of the city can be used to provide leisure opportunities
The historic environment can be conserved in many different ways:
· old industrial buildings, like warehouses, can be turned into apartments
· rundown houses can be redeveloped to provide housing that will last into the future
· canals in cities can be rebranded and regenerated as leisure facilities
The natural environment can be conserved by cities:
· using more electricity generated renewably, e.g. by solar and wind power
· collecting and recycling water, instead of piping it in reservoirs in the countryside
· running fuel-efficient public transport systems that cause less pollution
The natural environment can be conserved by reducing, or even stopping, development on the edge of the existing built-up area and by encouraging development to
take place on sites that have been previously used in the inner city or other areas. Green belts exist around many large towns in England or in towns where growth is occurring. These were set up to prevent urban sprawl and to ensure that the surrounding countryside is protected from development. This often provides (and the policy intended this) recreational open space for urban residents, limiting available sites on the edge of the city means that alternative locations for development must be offered if growth is to continue. This means that building on brownfield sites is simultaneously encouraged. In addition to limiting the growth beyond the city, as sites are available with
the current built-up areas, there are other advantages of building on brownfield sites that benefit the environment and encourage sustainability.
Advantages of building on brownfield sites
· makes use of sites that have already been developed
· reduces possible waste/derelict land in cities
· countryside is not built on
· leads to contaminated or unsightly sites being cleaned up
· prevents urban sprawl
· reduces commuting and traffic congestion
areas on the edge of the city can be used to provide leisure opportunities
Sustainable Urban Living 2
Reducing and safely disposing of waste
By 2000, the UK was producing 330 million tonnes of waste each year - enough to fill the Royal Albert Hall in London every hour.
Much of this was from mining and quarrying, but 30 million tonnes was from households, many of them in cities. There is a need to reduce the amount of waste produced. The government has a target of recycling 40% of household waste by 2010. This is an ambitious target as only 18% was recycled in 2004. However, 20% of household waste is garden waste, a further 18% is paper and cardboard and 17% is kitchen waste.
A note of caution is needed, however, as the cost incurred in transporting and reprocessing some of the products needs to be considered.
It is important to reduce waste so that fewer plastic bags are used. Consumer pressure could reduce packaging in general - do apples need to come in plastic bags? Do red peppers need individual packaging? Packaging can be made so that it can be returned and reused, such as milk bottles and 'bag for life' carrier bags.
Even with maximum effort, some waste will still be created that needs to be disposed of. There are two main options incineration and landfill. The UK has favoured the latter option (73% of household waste is disposed of in this way), but this is not without its problems. One significant issue is that we are running out of appropriate site, with capacity available until 2015 before a shortage of sites begins to occurs. Incineration only accounts for 9% of household waste disposal. This has proved an unpopular option and created a range of issues.
Much of this was from mining and quarrying, but 30 million tonnes was from households, many of them in cities. There is a need to reduce the amount of waste produced. The government has a target of recycling 40% of household waste by 2010. This is an ambitious target as only 18% was recycled in 2004. However, 20% of household waste is garden waste, a further 18% is paper and cardboard and 17% is kitchen waste.
A note of caution is needed, however, as the cost incurred in transporting and reprocessing some of the products needs to be considered.
It is important to reduce waste so that fewer plastic bags are used. Consumer pressure could reduce packaging in general - do apples need to come in plastic bags? Do red peppers need individual packaging? Packaging can be made so that it can be returned and reused, such as milk bottles and 'bag for life' carrier bags.
Even with maximum effort, some waste will still be created that needs to be disposed of. There are two main options incineration and landfill. The UK has favoured the latter option (73% of household waste is disposed of in this way), but this is not without its problems. One significant issue is that we are running out of appropriate site, with capacity available until 2015 before a shortage of sites begins to occurs. Incineration only accounts for 9% of household waste disposal. This has proved an unpopular option and created a range of issues.
Providing adequate open space
The presence of official green belts of areas where local authorities chose to restrict buildings around cities offers open space for recreation purposes. In addition, many areas within cities have designated areas of open space in the form of parks, playing fields and individual gardens.
Involving local people
If people have ownership of ideas and feel involved and in control of their own destiny, they are much more likely to respond positively and care for the building and environment in which they live. Consulting people at planning stages - before decisions are made - is essential. Planners increasingly survey opinions before putting forward plans and consult after they have been produced. Residents form associations to give them a stronger collective voice.
Where improvements are planned, asking what residents want and providing it means that the people are happy in their homes and take better care of them. This can involve apparently minor things such as colour schemes for paint and new bathroom suites. Having meetings in local halls where people are invited to see what is planned gives people the opportunity to give their views so that they feel included, not excluded.
Where improvements are planned, asking what residents want and providing it means that the people are happy in their homes and take better care of them. This can involve apparently minor things such as colour schemes for paint and new bathroom suites. Having meetings in local halls where people are invited to see what is planned gives people the opportunity to give their views so that they feel included, not excluded.
Providing an efficient public transport system
The volume of cars as a means of private transport is a problem and a barrier to a city being sustainable. London has sought to make parts of
the city unattractive to drivers via congestion charging, However, an alternative need to be offered. This means a public transport system that is efficient, reliable and comfortable. The mayor of London is keen to ensure the provision of a public transport system which the capital can be proud of and one that is sustainable. This inevitably means a focus on the Underground and improvements. The Tube is undergoing extensive upgrading, not just to the lines, but also to the trains and stations. London over-ground links will be extended to form a complete circuit around London - the railway equivalent to the M25. Buses are being improved - bendy buses will be abandoned in the interests of safety and buses
are to be more frequent to reduce overcrowding and to make them more attractive to travellers. Faster journeys and greater frequency were key factors in encouraging bus use. By the end of 2008, all buses had CCTV to increase feelings of security and bus shelters were added at bus stops. Buses have improved in
quality - over 75% have low-floor access. The extension of bus lanes has led to quicker journeys and cash fares have been frozen. Schemes such as the Oyster card, which allows for the advanced purchase of up to £90 worth of journey on a swipe card, offer journeys at reduced rates.
the city unattractive to drivers via congestion charging, However, an alternative need to be offered. This means a public transport system that is efficient, reliable and comfortable. The mayor of London is keen to ensure the provision of a public transport system which the capital can be proud of and one that is sustainable. This inevitably means a focus on the Underground and improvements. The Tube is undergoing extensive upgrading, not just to the lines, but also to the trains and stations. London over-ground links will be extended to form a complete circuit around London - the railway equivalent to the M25. Buses are being improved - bendy buses will be abandoned in the interests of safety and buses
are to be more frequent to reduce overcrowding and to make them more attractive to travellers. Faster journeys and greater frequency were key factors in encouraging bus use. By the end of 2008, all buses had CCTV to increase feelings of security and bus shelters were added at bus stops. Buses have improved in
quality - over 75% have low-floor access. The extension of bus lanes has led to quicker journeys and cash fares have been frozen. Schemes such as the Oyster card, which allows for the advanced purchase of up to £90 worth of journey on a swipe card, offer journeys at reduced rates.
Curitiba - a sustainable city?
Location of Curitiba
Curitiba is in South-east Brazil
 Excellent documentary on Curitiba | Basic facts
Curitiba 1940
- The city was experiencing rapid growth and had a thriving agricultural sector and attracted migrants from Japan, Syria and Lebanon. This led to increasing demand for: · Housing · Services · Transportation The city planners developed new sewers and road systems Unchecked growth 1960s - The residents feared problems such as Urban Sprawl, fewer open/green spaces and lost character · Limited urban sprawl · protecting all existing green spaces · preserve public buildings · new fast direct transport links in and out of the city · affordable public transport The master plan 1970s: · First pedestrian only street · Triany road system The Green Era 1980s: · Green areas protected from development · City wide recycling program · Public transport system expanded - colour-coded bus lanes to highlight the different bus routes International Recognition 1990s: · more green spaces · protecting more cultural sites · high speed bus routes and bus stops · botanical garden and opera house built on the site of a disused quarry · New industries such as Audi and Renault Millennium: Tourism very important to the city's economy · sight-seeing bus service · new skills training for poorly paid residents · built a new technology park · investing heavily in alternative fuel technologies |
BedZED, London
Check out this link: http://animoto.com/play/8oS2ivujrLAFvY0kZ8p3hQ
Watch the video about bedZED below
Case Study 5: One Residential Planning Issue. Consider the plans, stakeholders and reasons for conflicts (Coming soon!)
6. Rural Change and Planning Issues
How and why are rural areas changing?
Urban and rural are at different ends of a sliding scale known as the rural-urban continuum. The rural regions of Europe fall indifferent places on this continuum. Some are relatively accessible to large cities while others are extremely remote. Kent and Cambridgeshire in England, for example, contain many villages and small rural towns. But these rural communities are close to major transport routes, allowing them to access to work, shops, education an entertainment available n London. The population of accessible rural areas such as this is growing. This process is known as counter-urbanisation. It is not possible to commute easily from the more remote regions of Europe. in some of these regions rural depopulation is occurring, as people lave the countryside to seek work in the city.
As more people move into remote areas they lose their traditional economy. Farming and producing food is less important and it has now switched to providing leisure opportunities and a better quality of life. People move to countryside as it is quiet and with advent of the internet people can telework. This means they can work in rural areas and use the internet to communicate with the offices in urban areas.
People who live and work have had to diversify the ways in which they make money. Farmers instead of just farming for money they have holiday cottages to rent to tourists or creating mazes made from maize.
People can get to rural areas due to better transport links. Many families have more than one car and people can get to rural areas very quickly. Road access has become much better. Peoples incomes have risen over the last 50 years so have more income which allows them to visit rural areas. People also have more leisure and holiday time (most jobs give you 6 weeks) so people have more time to visit rural areas.
As more people move into remote areas they lose their traditional economy. Farming and producing food is less important and it has now switched to providing leisure opportunities and a better quality of life. People move to countryside as it is quiet and with advent of the internet people can telework. This means they can work in rural areas and use the internet to communicate with the offices in urban areas.
People who live and work have had to diversify the ways in which they make money. Farmers instead of just farming for money they have holiday cottages to rent to tourists or creating mazes made from maize.
People can get to rural areas due to better transport links. Many families have more than one car and people can get to rural areas very quickly. Road access has become much better. Peoples incomes have risen over the last 50 years so have more income which allows them to visit rural areas. People also have more leisure and holiday time (most jobs give you 6 weeks) so people have more time to visit rural areas.
What issues and conflict can arise from the use of this land?
Affordable homes and second homes: rural areas are very popular with house buyers. This pushes the prices up and there is a lack of affordable housing for local people. As a result rural workers have to move. Wealthy tourists often buy second homes which also puts up house prices and reduces the amount of housing available for local people.
Footpath erosion: As more people use the countryside and walk on it they will erode footpaths. This erosion is not equal and the paths can be rutted which can make them unusable for the future.
Noise and traffic congestion: with so many visitors noise and litter are unavoidable. In areas which are very popular with tourists (honey pot sites) often roads are not designed to cope with the volume of traffic.
Footpath erosion: As more people use the countryside and walk on it they will erode footpaths. This erosion is not equal and the paths can be rutted which can make them unusable for the future.
Noise and traffic congestion: with so many visitors noise and litter are unavoidable. In areas which are very popular with tourists (honey pot sites) often roads are not designed to cope with the volume of traffic.
Case study 6 - Conflict in the Lake District (Or Ashridge Estate)
Case study from specification:
A case study of conflict at the local scale related to the opportunities for leisure use of a rural environment and ways in which management attempts to balance change and sustainability.
Pressure on Rural Areas – The Lake District, North West England
Why do people visit the Lake District for leisure?
What else is the rural areas of the UK being used for?
Conflicts that arise from tourists visiting places like The Lake District;
How is the Lake District managed sustainably?
A case study of conflict at the local scale related to the opportunities for leisure use of a rural environment and ways in which management attempts to balance change and sustainability.
Pressure on Rural Areas – The Lake District, North West England
Why do people visit the Lake District for leisure?
- Outdoor activities – walking, climbing, cycling, caving, fishing.
- Educational trips.
- Visit honey-pot villages such as Ambleside
- Sightseeing.
What else is the rural areas of the UK being used for?
- Land fill sites – increased population = more waste
- Alternative energy – wind farms
- Second home ownership
Conflicts that arise from tourists visiting places like The Lake District;
- Congestion on the roads from farmers, tourists and residents.
- Walkers leaving gates unlocked so sheep escape.
- Litter
- Land fill = bad smell
- Wind farms = noise and sight pollution affecting QoL and house prices
- Second home ownership = issues for services (only busy at certain times of year), locals cannot afford houses, ageing population (schools shut down)
How is the Lake District managed sustainably?
- The Lake District is a National Park and so it is protected from too much development by building laws.
- Litter bins are provided on the streets and outside shops.
- Large car park with toilets are built. This reduces on street parking and congestion.
- Signs educate tourists about the area and its importance.
- Encouragement for the use of public transport
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