Counter-Urbanisation

Counter-Urbanisation

1. Migration of people from major urban areas to smaller urban settlements and areas

2. Causes

   • Increased wealth, people can afford to commute
   • More cars, allowing commuting
   • Urban decline, anti-social behaviour
   • Desire for green space
   • Fast travel links
   • Tele-commuting
   • High house prices
   • Want more space
   • Perecieved better quality of life, schools
   • Retirement
   • Immigration, "white flight", in 80s
   • Pollution, dirt and crime
   • Between 1981-1996, 1 mil more jobs in rural areas

3. Ecotowns

   • New towns 5000-20000 homes
   • Sustainable and affordable
   • All services provided
   • Green space, 40% minimum, half for community
   • At least 30% affordable housing
   • Average of one job per house in 'easy reach'