Changes to the Edge of HIC Cities L.O – Describe the changes to the rural-urban fringe caused by counter-urbanisation

What is Counter Urbanisation? The movement of people from urban areas to rural areas (i.e. Cities/towns to the countryside) This process has been happening in HICs (e.g. The UK) for the last 50 years

Why is it Happening?

Why is it Happening? Urban areas have become less pleasant places to live because of crime, traffic and pollution There is an increase in car ownership which has allowed people to live further from their place of work. There is also an improvement in road networks (e.g. M25 motorway) There is an increase in the number of people working from home due to technological improvements such as email and video conferencing (e.g. Gmail, Skype) There is an ageing population and elderly people prefer to move to the country when they retire (on the coast) Business parks on the edge of cities mean that people don’t have to commute into the city to work and can live close by

What do developers want the land for? Housing developments as urban sprawl continues Science and business parks Retail parks and superstores Office developments Hotels and conference centres

Shopping Centres Why do they want to locate at the RUF? Cheap land Room to expand Close to motorways Space for parking Leisure facilities can also be provided Local suburban work force

Housing Why is housing built at the RUF? More housing is needed as more people are living alone and living longer. Land is cheap Peace and quiet Less crime Easy access to motorways Good access to countryside

Problems and Effects of Urban Sprawl in New York Increased traffic and congestion in Staten Island (Richmond County) and more crowding on the Staten Island ferry causing safety risks during busy commutes to Manhattan Formerly productive farmland in the Hudson Valley has been lost due to the building of new homes. This area has also seen a rise in noise and air pollution due to traffic congestion and the removal of green space and vegetation which has increased the risk of flash flooding in the area Species of Eastern Box Turtles and Golden Winged Warbler have been threatened due to habitat loss Routes I-87 and I-95 have suffered from major congestion as people who live in towns such as Valhalla and Eastchester commute in to work in NYC The wealthy leaving the inner city areas also means that these areas may suffer from urban deprivation (e.g. Bronx, Harlem)