Geography Rural-Urban Links

rural-urban continuum?

A scale which measures the extent of settlement size and density with urban cities at one end and remote rural areas at the other.e

Sphere of influence

The area around a settlement or business which comes under its economic, social and political influence.

Do large settlements have larger spheres of influence than their smaller counterparts?

yes

Counter-urbanisaton

the movement of people and businesses from large cities to smaller towns and accessible rural areas

What are some reasons for counter urbanisation?

High levels of congestion, pollution, crime and house prices in cities compared to rural areas. Rural areas have more green space, picturesque landscape and are the ideal location for a second home. Ageing populations do not need to be close to work post-retirement and working from home has been facilitated by Covid.

Negative Consequences of counter urbanisation

Loss of rural characteristics from new housing developments, air and sound pollution from traffic, impacts on parking, congestion on narrow winding roads, declining bus services, property values often increase, formation of dormitory villages, decline in community spirit, village shops and local services suffering, pressure on local services

Positive Consequences of counter-urbanisation

New services and amenities, better transport links, increased business activity, modernisation and mechanisation.

Commuting and transport issues which arise from counter-urbanisation in the UK

Increase traffic congestion on rural and main roads, longer than average commuter distances for workers, increased car dependency, increased motorways, increased number of commuter village.

How does counter-urbanisation impact service provision?

Increase in services, modernisation of services, may not meet locals’ needs, traditional shops closing down, rising house prices increases business costs to stay open, rise in cost of living, reducing disposable income

Rural depopulation

Population density in rural areas decreases overtime due to net migration or natural decrease in

Absolute depopulation

People leave and are not replaced

Relative depopulation

Young people leave but are replaced by retired people resulting in an ageing society.

Reasons for rural depopulation

job opportunities are low, mostly low-paid and seasonal; lack of access to infrastructure and services; unattractive to businesses so low investment; decline in EU funding.

Deprivation

A condition in which people lack basic needs, such as money, a job or a decent home.

Deprived Community

Community which lack features that are usually regarded as necessary for a reasonable standard of living.

Poverty

People who live below a certain income level.

Causes of poverty and deprivation

Unreliable income, service thresholds are not met= services become rationalised, businesses do not want to invest in areas with low economic activity

Consequences of poverty and deprivation

Increasing sense of isolation, neglect and vulnerability; less money in the local economy; little disposal income; less attractive for businesses and services and for people to move into; further depopulation

Sustainable Community

A community that provides a good quality of life with local jobs and services

Sustainable communities need to

Balance and integrate the economic, environmental and social components of their community; meet the needs of existing and future generation; respect the needs of other communication in wider regions or internationally.

Strategies for creating a sustainable rural community

Improving transport, internet connection improvement, building more tourist attractions, investing in industry, investing in education

Birth Rate

The number of babies born per 1,000 people per year

Death Rate

the number of deaths per 1,000 people per year

Life Expectancy

The number of years a person is expected to live

Natural Increase

Birth rate exceeds the death rate

Natural Decrease

The death rate exceeds the birth rate

Net International Migration

Number of immigrants into a country minus the number of emigrants that have left the country.

Consequence of an Ageing Population

Many retired people do voluntary work in schools and for charities; younger retired people contribute significantly to the economy, with reasonable amounts of money and lots of leisure time, contributing to the economy as consumers; older people can use their experience and knowledge to benefit society; increased number of very old people puts a strain on social services as they have very particular needs- this puts pressure on younger generation; demand for health care rises with more degenerative diseases, imbalance between pensions and taxes, grey vote, special housing needs

Why has demand for housing increased in the UK?

Immigration leads to a population increase; more people living alone as a result of ageing population and older marriages; increase in second home ownership; elderly population may have specific housing needs; pressure in certain location

Why is there insufficient housing supply in the UK?

Shortage of land due to regulations on greenfield land; backlog due to time lapse in house-building due to regulation; problems of sourcing materials; resistance from local communities (NIBMYs); impact of COVID-19 on construction work levels.

Brownfield site

Land that has already been developed for industrial, commercial or residential purposes.

Greenfield Site

Land which has not been previously developed.

Challenges of creating sustainable urban communities in Brownfield Sites

Ensuring the existing environment is cared for- incorporating and maintaining green space, integrating new sustainable features; balancing rapid construction and safety; developers vision may need to be compromised due to the limitations of a pre-existing environment; blending new and old communities; locals may feel the new environment isn’t good for them; existing residents need temporary accommodation; conflict with NIMBYs; gentrification; erosion of sense of community; new business vs local needs, lower profits due to clean-up costs and need to buy housing makes it less attractive to developers and also impacts affordability; pressures on existing services and infrastructure