Town planners underestimate the importance of urban green spaces

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-11/uol-tpu112615.php

PUBLIC RELEASE: 26-NOV-2015
Town planners underestimate the importance of urban green spaces
University of Luxembourg research finds potential key to making town living more
UNIVERSITY OF LUXEMBOURG

Compact towns with high population density can have social, environmental, and economic benefits. The supply of high-density urban housing has increased, but people continue to choose to live in suburbs and commuter towns. The result is continued urban sprawl and longer commuting times.

For the first time, a team of researchers* has used mathematical analysis and a computer simulation model to demonstrate that facilitating access to high quality parks, woodland and other green spaces is central to making town living much more attractive and sustainable.

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This work suggests that mistakes have been made in the way residential projects are planned. "Local politicians have sought to increase town centre populations by encouraging the supply of high density urban housing on almost every available plot of land. Despite this, demand remains strong for more spacious homes in the suburbs and in commuter towns. Thus attempts to boost urban density may be having the opposite effect," he noted.

Town planners may not have understood the high importance residents put on easy access to generous amounts of green space in urban areas. "Having parks, woodlands and green play areas nearby could very strongly encourage people to move into smaller town houses and apartments," associate professor Caruso said.

Advocates of urban living see it as way to boost well-being, as it brings lower levels of social isolation and easier access to workplaces, shops, and public services. There are also environment benefits, as town dwellers are more likely to walk or take public transport, and smaller homes are cheaper to heat. Plus it is cheaper to supply transport infrastructure and public services to urban populations.

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He also recommends creating more local footpaths and bicycle lanes to access green spaces.

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