(2.2.2) Contemporary challenges facing UK towns and cities?

What is a sustainable community?

A community that provides a good quality of life for residents with local jobs and services and which is designed to have minimum impact on the environment.

What is Egan’s Wheel?

A model for that outlines the key priorities and criteria when developing a sustainable community.

What are the 7 aspect of Egan’s Wheel?

Governance

Transport and connectivity

Services

Environmental

Economy

Housing and the built environment

Social and Cultural

What is a brownfield site?

An area of land that has previously been built on, often in or near towns of cities.

What is redevelopment?

The improvement of the physical environment by clearing old buildings and developing new buildings on the brownfield sites.

What is regeneration?

The creation of jobs which increases the quality of life in the inner city areas.

What are the advantages of building on brownfield sites?

• Inner cities have dense populations so development will provide jobs.

• Positive multiplier effect.

• Reduces urban sprawl.

• Less traffic congestion due to proximity to main areas.

What are the disadvantages of building on brownfield sites?

• Expensive to make fit for habitation again.

• Inner city houses are expensive and could promote gentrification.

• Restricted by existing networks of water etc.

What is a greenfield site?

An area of land that has never been built upon before.

What are the advantages of building on greenfield sites?

• Land is cheaper in green belt areas than cities.

• More space for businesses to expand.

• Reduced costs as there are no clear up costs.

What are the disadvantages of building on greenfield sites?

• Wildlife and species destroyed.

• Conflict between locals/farmers who do not want to become part of the city.

• Villages lose rural character.

• Encourages commuting- increases pollution and congestion in rural areas.

• Urban sprawl.

Brownfield Case Study: Bath Riverside

Where is it?

West of England

Between A36 and River Avon

Brownfield Case Study: Bath Riverside

Why is the area a suitable site for construction?

• Pre-existing services

• Well-connected

• Nearby green areas

• Removes derelict, unsightly areas.

Brownfield Case Study: Bath Riverside

Why is the area challenging to develop?

• High cost of cleanup

• Disruption to populated areas

• Nearby River Avon could constrain construction.

Brownfield Case Study: Bath Riverside

How have they achieved sustainability?

• Support to local charities

• Soil clearance + over 185, 000 trees planted

• Improved infrastructure and flood prevention schemes

• Riverside walk

• Affordable housing + student accommodation

Greenfield Case Study: Gullane, Edinburgh

Where is it?

North of Edinburgh

On the east coast of Scotland

Greenfield Case Study: Gullane, Edinburgh

What is the proposed development?

180 houses on Saltcoats Field and Fenton Gait East

Greenfield Case Study: Gullane, Edinburgh

What are challenges of development?

• Green areas might lead to pushback from locals and cause a residents’ battle against gentrification.

• New houses will probably be of different stone and aesthetic, eroding the charm of the village.

• Building work traffic and pollution will prompt pushback.

Greenfield Case Study: Gullane, Edinburgh

Why is it good to develop?

• Diversify the area

• Likely to bring in new shops and services

• Keeps local services open

• Improves transport system as more people in need of them