The problems of providing essential services in a constrained economic climate, and of conserving the rural environment whilst protecting rural people, are of immediate importance. This book, first published in 1979, was the first major piece of published research on the topic of rural settlement planning. It examines in detail the history and theory behind key settlement policies, and their practical application within the British rural planning system. Using Warwickshire and Devon as two very different case studies, Paul Cloke measures the outcome of settlement planning and discusses the wider implications of the ‘concentration-dispersal’ debate. This reissue will provide essential background for students of rural and social geography, and rural sociology and economics.

This book, first published in 1983, provided the first thorough and informative introduction to the theory, practice and politics of rural settlement planning. It surveys the conceptual and ideological leanings of those who have developed, implemented and revised rural settlement practice, and gives detailed analysis of planning documentation to assess the extent to which policies have been successfully implemented. Paul Cloke assesses the shortfalls of rural planning and resource management and suggests methods by which a sustainable rural future might be attained. This reissue provides essential background and a comprehensive handbook for those with an interest in rural settlement planning.

In the twentieth century, urban growth was one of the most powerful catalysts of geographical, social and demographic change in the Western world. When this book was first published in 1989, however, a massive process of counter-urbanization was underway, which saw the loss of population and jobs in cities and a pronounced urban to rural shift. This book analyses the causes and consequences of urban decline in Britain and the developed world during this period and beyond, and assesses the implications for urban planning and policy. David Clark’s relevant and comprehensive title will be of value to students with a particular interest in urban geography and development.

Rural Settlement in Britain (1977) examines the roots of rural settlements prior to the Domesday Book of 1086 and their evolution and changes up to the twentieth century. It looks at the impact of varied environmental, social and economic forces upon settlement and analyses the key questions and models applicable to each particular village. Three systematic themes are closely studied – the forces affecting settlement patterns, the development of village plans, and hamlet and farm settlements.

Planning is particularly important in Eastern Europe since most spatial change and economic planning are the products of centralised decision-making, which in turn is the product of a systematic socio-political ideology. Planning is therefore an important key to understanding society, economy and spatial change in Eastern Europe. This book, which was first published in 1987, provides a comprehensive overview of planning in Eastern Europe. Each chapter discusses the nature of planning in the country in question and the changes which have taken place since 1945, and examines regional, economic, land-use, environmental protection and urban design policies and their achievements in the post- 1945 period. Introductory chapters discuss the physical, economic and political background of the area and a conclusion considers overall successes and failures and discusses likely future developments. This book is ideal for students of geography.

This work deals with theories of rural society, historical communities, economic and social change, the social impact of geographical mobility, and social divisions, social conflicts and community development. Both contemporary and classic writings in the field are included.