Peri-Urbanisation Case Study

.11 Peri-Urbanisation: The Global Perspective

The surfacing of urban development outside designated city boundaries has been a global phenomenon. It occurs at a high level in developing countries, taking place on a large scale and involving rapid change. (Allen, 2003)

Studies in the late 1980s perceived peri-urban areas in developing countries, particularly in Africa, as characterised by poverty and informal economies with strong links between urban and rural activities (Browder & Bohland, 1995). However, East

Asian peri-urbanisation has rather undermined this traditional idea. In this region, peri-urbanisation is typified by formal land development, often on a large scale. To some extent, this development has been a result of the growing networks

However, there is a need to find approaches that address the conflicts and implement changes which will benefit the poor and marginalised. (ibid)

2.12 Peri-Urbanisation in Europe: The European Trends

From the European perspective, peri-urban areas are often understood to be mixed areas under an urban influence but with rural morphology. (Caruso, 2001)

With the introduction of mass commuter transport systems such as the sub urban railways and finally with the increased affordability of the car, the countryside close to towns in Europe became a potential place for living recreation and sometimes also working for former urbanites.

This development led to an expansion of cities not only in physical terms with low density housing but also in terms of functional relationship, creating an area of urban influence around cities. (Friedmann & Miller,

To analyse and model the relationships between land use changes and the provision of resources and functions (e.g. residential, transport, environmental and recreational services) of RURs at an European and a case study level.

3. To analyse the implications of planning policies and strategies as well as governance structures on the sustainability of land use, particularly in peri-urban areas by exploring selected case study regions in detail and in collaboration with local stakeholders. This allows identifying strategies for sustainable peri/urban development.

4. To assess the environmental, social and economic impacts of land use changes induced both by global and regional driving forces and by regional development strategies using a Multi Criteria Assessment approach.

5. To enhance learning, cooperation and communication between policy makers, stakeholders, planners and researchers. (Nilsson et al. 2013)

The seven PLUREL case study regions showed examples of how these conflicts and the pressure towards peri-urban areas can be strategically managed in different development and regulatory