counter urbanisation. definition: counter urbanisation is “the movement of people from an urban...
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Counter Urbanisation
Counter Urbanisation
Definition:Counter Urbanisation is“The movement of people from an urban
area into the surrounding rural area”
•A different process to Suburbanisation, but easy to confuse them if not careful(Suburbanisation is the movement from
the centre of urban areas to the outskirts)
There are 2 distinct trends:1. A movement of employment to rural areas2. A movement of people to rural areas who then
commute.
Counter-urbanisation began in Britain in the 1960s in particular and by 1990 a net movement of 1,700
people were leaving for rural areas.
Causes of Counter Urbanisation
• Accessibility- railways, motorways etc.. Easier to get to work
• Mobility- more people now own cars• Increased wealth- meaning houses and travel is
more affordable• Agriculture- less labour and land needed- land
becomes available• Because of previous point, many agricultural workers
leave the area• Green belts mean people need to go further out to
get the place they are looking for• Fashion- people’s desire to live here
Who is moving to rural areas?
• Traffic congestion• Pollution• Fear of Crime (muggings, burglary and car theft)• Rural dream (idea of the ‘rural idyll’ – pleasant
surroundings, quiet etc.)• Estate Agents, housing developers etc.. All
encourage outward movement through new developments / building more houses and marketing these areas.
What are the push / pull factors?
• The most affluent and mobile people
• Families with children (keen to avoid the possible disadvantages of city locations)
Negative Effects
House prices increase – locals young people cannot afford to buy property in areas they grew up – loss of traditional buildings
Middle class immigrants – social structure changes -local resentment caused
Lack of appreciation of traditional customs of village life by newcomers – change in community spirit
Dormitory villages lose vitality and community spirit (very quiet during the day)
Increase in population
Increased traffic flow & dependence on car – increase congestion & accidents
Decline in local shops & services (N.B. issue of Post Office closures) replaced by(supermarket/filling station)
Loss of agricultural land
Consequences of Counter Urbanisation
Positive Effects
Improvement in services – e.g. gas mains, cable TV, supports local schools
Supports some local facilities (e.g. pub, builders etc.) – although others may close
Primary schools might flourish (or close) – young population - increase nursery provision
Housing fabric improved, new housing, bar conversions.
Light industry may develop, B&B, small hotels, bistros
Model of a Suburbanised VillageModel of a Suburbanised Village