Counter Urbanisation

Definition: Counter Urbanisation is “The movement of people from an urban area into the surrounding rural area” A different process to Suburbanisation, but easy to confuse them if not careful (Suburbanisation is the movement from the centre of urban areas to the outskirts)

There are 2 distinct trends: 1.A movement of employment to rural areas 2.A movement of people to rural areas who then commute. Counter-urbanisation began in Britain in the 1960s in particular and by 1990 a net movement of 1,700 people were leaving for rural areas.

Causes of Counter Urbanisation Accessibility- railways, motorways etc.. Easier to get to work Mobility- more people now own cars Increased wealth- meaning houses and travel is more affordable Agriculture- less labour and land needed- land becomes available Because of previous point, many agricultural workers leave the area Green belts mean people need to go further out to get the place they are looking for Fashion- people’s desire to live here

Who is moving to rural areas? Traffic congestion Pollution Fear of Crime (muggings, burglary and car theft) Rural dream (idea of the ‘rural idyll’ – pleasant surroundings, quiet etc.) Estate Agents, housing developers etc.. All encourage outward movement through new developments / building more houses and marketing these areas. What are the push / pull factors? The most affluent and mobile people Families with children (keen to avoid the possible disadvantages of city locations)

Negative Effects House prices increase – locals young people cannot afford to buy property in areas they grew up – loss of traditional buildings Middle class immigrants – social structure changes -local resentment caused Lack of appreciation of traditional customs of village life by newcomers – change in community spirit Dormitory villages lose vitality and community spirit (very quiet during the day) Increase in population Increased traffic flow & dependence on car – increase congestion & accidents Decline in local shops & services (N.B. issue of Post Office closures) replaced by(supermarket/filling station) Loss of agricultural land Consequences of Counter Urbanisation

Positive Effects Improvement in services – e.g. gas mains, cable TV, supports local schools Supports some local facilities (e.g. pub, builders etc.) – although others may close Primary schools might flourish (or close) – young population - increase nursery provision Housing fabric improved, new housing, bar conversions. Light industry may develop, B&B, small hotels, bistros

Model of a Suburbanised Village