Originally published in 1996 Rural Change and Planning describes the turbulent changes that have occurred in rural England and Wales since the outbreak of the First World War. The book describes the changes from an agriculturally-dominated countryside to one which has had to increasingly adapt to urban pressures. Looking at the changes chronologically, the book provides an integrated history of rural planning in the twentieth century and the developments which have taken place within the State, which has facilitated those changes. The book looks at the social and economic impacts of two world wars on agricultural communities, and the pressures of industry, new settlements and the effects of recreation on rural landscapes.

Originally published in 1986 Holford is not just a biography of a major architect, planner and civic designer. In describing the life and times of the man, the authors provide a fascinating analysis of the developments in British architecture and planning from the 1930s to the 1970s. The book explains the story of a wartime policies for post-war reconstruction and examines policies which have had a major influence on the shaping of modern towns and cities. Holford's involvement in planning in the post-war period shows how gradually the concept of 'civic design' has been discarded to the detriment of the urban landscape. His position in the thick of development conflicts, such as that of Piccadilly, have much to tell us about the workings of developers and planning authorities, and the failings of the planning system in the pressures for growth in the 1960s. In this key period of British architectural and planning history, Holford was a leading actor, and describing his role the book provides a very readable account of a little explored area.

Originally published in 1970 Social Planning Techniques for Town Planners introduces social research methods for town planners. The book places an emphasis on social research within the planning process, and addresses the problem faced by the research worker at successive stages of a research project. It outlines the major conceptual and organizational problems likely to be encountered in any social research for planning, and provides guidelines for tackling these. The book's focus is on social science research methods and the application of social and economic research to issues of urban and regional planning and administration.

Since the mid-1970s there has been an increase in interest and concern for the countryside. At a public level, this is evident in the growth in the membership of countryside organizations and rurally-focused hobbies. At the academic level, it can be seen in the burgeoning of courses with rural, conservation and environmental themes. At the level of public policy, it can be seen in the development of policies regarding conservation, farm diversification, public access and housing. Planners are often ignorant of the historical development of the agricultural economy - and conservation experts know little of the tradition of rural community development. This book addresses both of these issues, providing a critical overview of rural change over the 80 years since World War I in order to illuminate the historical origins of present-day policy. This work should be of interest to senior undergraduates and postgraduates specializing in rural development in western economies, rural planning, environmental studies, conservation or recreation; professional town and country planners; and staff in countryside organizations.

Originally published in 1970 Social Planning Techniques for Town Planners introduces social research methods for town planners. The book places an emphasis on social research within the planning process, and addresses the problem faced by the research worker at successive stages of a research project. It outlines the major conceptual and organizational problems likely to be encountered in any social research for planning, and provides guidelines for tackling these. The book's focus is on social science research methods and the application of social and economic research to issues of urban and regional planning and administration.