Counter-urbanisation

Question 1

push factors for counter-urbanisation

Answer 1

• people move out of urban areas to escape the air and noise pollution of towns and cities
• suburbs and city centres often have problems with congestion and parking
• as suburban areas become more popular, house prices rise, people feel they’re not getting value for money and move further from the city

Question 2

pull factors for counter-urbanisation

Answer 2

• houses in smaller settlements and rural areas are often less densely packed than in city areas and suburbs, houses are often bigger and have more outside space
• people think living somewhere quieter and with more open space will improve their quality of life, true for retired and families with children
• improved communication services, people can easily work from home can access office computer from home
• technological improvements mean that some companies no longer nee to be in the city, move to rural area, cheaper, creates jobs
• increased car ownership, improved rail services, people can live further away

Question 3

positive impacts on rural areas of counter-urbanisation

Answer 3

• services see an increase in business e.g. restaurants, new residents are often retired or professionals with high disposable incomes
• in some villages existing houses are improved as farm buildings are renovated and upgraded - farmers make money through selling land for housing
• schools have closed due to lack of people, can re open with more people moving to rural area

Question 4

negative impacts on rural areas of counter-urbanisation

Answer 4

• development can affect the character of rural settlements
• some rural shops and services may close - wealthier residents who own cars are likely to travel to use shops in urban areas
• rural roads and infrastructure may struggle to cope with additional traffic, congestion and air pollution
• schools may close if new residents are older people
• more demand for houses, house prices increase, younger people may not be able to afford to buy a house, population is dominated by older people

Question 5

how are negative impacts being managed in rural areas?

Answer 5

• in some areas developments are only allowed is they’re in keeping with the rest of the area e.g. houses must be built with certain materials
• some companies offer mobile services to visit rural areas
• some areas have local occupancy clauses on houses