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

2. 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

3. Why is it Happening?

4. 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 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

9. 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)