Counter-urbanisation

Counter-urbanisation. The movement of

people from large urban areas or into rural
areas, thereby leapfrogging the rural-urban
fringe. It might mean daily commuting, but
could also require lifestyle changes and the
increased use of ICT (home working or
teleworking)
Process of migration of people from major urban
areas to smaller urban settlements and rural areas.
Clear break between the areas of new growth and
the urban area.
Counter-urbanisation does not lead to suburban
growth, but growth in rural areas beyond the city.
Difference between rural and urban areas is
diminished as a consequence of this movement.
Factors for growth in counter-
urbanisation
•Negative reaction to city life
•Escape from air pollution, dirt and crime of the urban environment.
•Aspire to what is seen as pleasant, quiet and clean environment of
countryside, where land and house prices are cheaper.
•Car ownership and greater affluence allow people to commute.
•Sources of employment moving away from cities. 1981-96 1 million
more jobs in rural areas.
•Improvement in technology (internet) allows freedom of location.
•Rising demand for second homes and earlier retirement. Link to
affluence.
•Rural areas need to attract income. Agriculture in decline. Farmers sell
off land.
Counter-urbanisation affects the layout of rural
settlements.
Modern housing estates locate of the edge of small
settlements. Industrial units are sited on main roads
leading into the settlement.
Former open areas are built on, old properties
converted and agricultural building redeveloped as
housing.
As with gentrification in inner city areas there is
tension between the newcomers and locals.
 Services
Despite the influx of new people, local services often close
down.
•Bus services to rural communities have disappeared.
•Schools have closed
•Post Offices have closed.
•Churches have closed and parishes amalgamated together.
This is all because newcomers have the wealth and mobility to
continue to use the urban services some distance away.
Evidence
•Increase in the use of a commuter railway station in
an area, including car parking for commuters.
•Increased value of houses in the area.
•The construction of more executive housing in an
area, often newly designated building land, following
the demolition of old properties.
•More conversions of former farm buildings to
exclusive residences.