Using case studies from the UK and Europe, Chris Couch examines the nature and achievements of the expanded towns programmes that emerged in the mid-20th century to accommodate population growth and overspill from densely populated urban areas. Thought-provoking insights into lessons to be learnt are provided, alongside arguments for further planned expansion of smaller towns today. This timely book investigates how development pressures caused by rapidly growing populations, have led to some disregard for health and housing standards, and how a fresh look at the relationship between urban form and public health is necessary, particularly in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. The author raises the importance of strong planning and public land acquisition, concluding with a strong case for a new programme of planned expansion in smaller towns. Written in an accessible style, this book is an excellent resource for students and researchers in urban planning, geography and history as well as housing policy, estate management and the built environment. Practitioners and policy makers within town planning and urban development would also find this an invaluable read.

This is a wide-ranging and internationally-focussed introduction to planning for the urban landscape. It provides an up-to-date account of planning, reflecting throughout on the need for sustainable, efficient and equitable solutions to planning problems. Taking account of the sometimes conflicting expectations of markets, citizens, public organizations and planners, it demonstrates the similarities of challenges faced in different national planning systems. The author traces the historical evolution of planning and urban governance, and explores the range of urban problems and policies likely to be found in almost any city in the developed world. Combining the latest theory in the field with practical insight and numerous illustrative case studies, the author comprehensively addresses issues of economic change and development; retailing and the role of urban centres; housing provision and neighbourhood renewal; urban design and conservation; green and blue infrastructure; and mobility and accessibility. Assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, this text is the ideal accessible introduction to the planning field, giving equal focus to both theory and practice. Whilst celebrating the work of planners, it also provides essential critical analysis of how key decisions are made and implemented, the benefits and limitations of planning, and ultimately its potential in achieving 'good city form'.

This title was first published in 2003. Over the last 30 years, Liverpool has undergone more economic restructuring and urban change than virtually any other city in Britain and Europe. It has also been a testing ground for almost every experiment and innovation in modern urban policy. City of Change and Challenge analyses the urban planning and regeneration experience in Liverpool over this period. In doing so, it considers the extent to which the pressure to create jobs has led to economic development aims consistently taking precedence over environmental and social concerns, and the degree to which regeneration has been dominated by centralised and top-down approaches without a strong strategic planning framework. It also discusses why some policies and programmes have been more successful than others and what lessons might be learned, not only by Liverpool's future policy makers, but also by planners, politicians and academics throughout the world.

This title was first published in 2003. Over the last 30 years, Liverpool has undergone more economic restructuring and urban change than virtually any other city in Britain and Europe. It has also been a testing ground for almost every experiment and innovation in modern urban policy. City of Change and Challenge analyses the urban planning and regeneration experience in Liverpool over this period. In doing so, it considers the extent to which the pressure to create jobs has led to economic development aims consistently taking precedence over environmental and social concerns, and the degree to which regeneration has been dominated by centralised and top-down approaches without a strong strategic planning framework. It also discusses why some policies and programmes have been more successful than others and what lessons might be learned, not only by Liverpool's future policy makers, but also by planners, politicians and academics throughout the world.

This is a wide-ranging and internationally-focussed introduction to planning for the urban landscape. It provides an up-to-date account of planning, reflecting throughout on the need for sustainable, efficient and equitable solutions to planning problems. Taking account of the sometimes conflicting expectations of markets, citizens, public organizations and planners, it demonstrates the similarities of challenges faced in different national planning systems. The author traces the historical evolution of planning and urban governance, and explores the range of urban problems and policies likely to be found in almost any city in the developed world. Combining the latest theory in the field with practical insight and numerous illustrative case studies, the author comprehensively addresses issues of economic change and development; retailing and the role of urban centres; housing provision and neighbourhood renewal; urban design and conservation; green and blue infrastructure; and mobility and accessibility. Assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, this text is the ideal accessible introduction to the planning field, giving equal focus to both theory and practice. Whilst celebrating the work of planners, it also provides essential critical analysis of how key decisions are made and implemented, the benefits and limitations of planning, and ultimately its potential in achieving 'good city form'.