How are towns & countryside in the UK changing? (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Geography B): Revision Note

Specification links

The notes on this page cover part 1.2.1 of the WJEC Eduqas B specification

1.2.1 - What changes are taking place in where people live in both urban and rural areas of the UK?

• An overview of urban change in the UK includes the processes of urbanisation, suburbanisation, counter-urbanisation, re-urbanisation and infill.

• The impact of change on rural areas of the UK includes villages which have become commuter settlements.

Urban changes in the UK

• Urban change in the UK has occurred in distinct phases over time, shaped by:

  • Economic shifts

  • Industrial decline

  • New planning policies

• Urban settlements first appear as a result of agglomeration:

  • People gather together in one area to sell goods and live

  • Small trading posts and villages begin to develop

  • These are the first signs of urbanisation

Urbanisation (1750–1950)

• Causes

  • Growth of manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution

  • Rural–urban migration as people sought work in factories

  • Development of transport (railways, canals) connecting towns

• Consequences

  • Rapid growth of industrial cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Cardiff

  • Overcrowded housing, poor sanitation, and pollution

  • Creation of the first large working-class urban communities

• Modern relevance

  • Many of these industrial areas still face regeneration challenges after deindustrialisation

Suburbanisation (1950s–1970s)

• As areas grew, they expanded outward through a process known as suburbanisation

  • This adds to the built-up area, but the building densities are generally lower than in the older parts of the town

  • The new suburbs are made up of mostly houses, but also include places of employment and services

• Causes

  • Post-war housing demand and the expansion of the railway and motorway network

  • Rising car ownership made commuting easier

  • Desire for larger homes, gardens, and cleaner environments

• Consequences

  • Growth of suburban estates and new housing developments

  • Decline in inner-city population as wealthier families moved out

  • Urban sprawl and loss of farmland on city edges

• Examples

  • Expansion of Bristol, Manchester, and London suburbs such as Croydon and Harrow

• Evaluation

  • The quality of life for many families improved

  • However, there is now an increased car dependency and pressure on greenfield sites

Counter-urbanisation (1970s–present)

• This is the movement of people from an urban area into the surrounding rural region

• Urban settlements continue to prosper and grow, while many people move out of the town or city entirely and commute to work, forming commuter settlements

  • They continue to have links with the town or city they have left

  • They still make use of urban services, shops, education, and healthcare

• Causes

  • Growth of teleworking and flexible employment

  • Improved road and rail links, enabling longer commutes

  • Desire for rural lifestyle, safety, and open space

  • Rising inner-city house prices are driving people outward

• Consequences

  • Growth of small towns and villages near cities

  • Increased demand for housing, leading to commuter settlements

  • Changes in village character and rising property prices

• Examples

  • Sevenoaks (Kent), Marlow (Buckinghamshire), and Chepstow (South Wales) have become commuter towns for London, Reading, and Bristol

  • Rural areas around Leeds and Manchester (e.g. Ilkley, Hebden Bridge) have grown significantly

• Evaluation

  • Revitalises rural economies and services

  • It has led to:

    • Congestion

    • Loss of village character

    • Unaffordable housing

Re-urbanisation (1990s–present)

• Re-urbanisation is the process of people moving back into declining inner-city areas, reversing previous trends of suburbanisation and counter-urbanisation

• Causes

  • Driven by urban regeneration, gentrification and redevelopment of brownfield sites

  • New employment in services, creative industries, and technology

  • Desire for urban amenities

  • Growth of city-centre universities attracting young populations

  • Government investment in housing and transport

• Consequences

  • Population growth in city centres: reversal of previous decline

  • Increase in leisure, retail, and cultural activities

  • Rising property prices and gentrification are displacing lower-income residents

• Examples

  • Manchester – redevelopment of Salford Quays, where derelict areas were redeveloped into new communities and MediaCityUK

  • Cardiff – regeneration of Cardiff Bay, creating new housing and leisure spaces

  • Bristol – Harbourside redevelopment with mixed housing and offices

• Evaluation

  • It has created vibrant, modern city centres and boosted local economies

  • However, gentrification has increased inequality and reduced affordable housing

Infill development (2000s–present)

• Definition

  • Using vacant or derelict plots (brownfield land) within cities for new housing, shops, or community projects

• Causes

  • Government policy encouraging the use of brownfield sites

• Reduces urban sprawl and preserves rural land

• Examples

  • London Docklands regeneration: new apartments and offices built on disused land

  • Urban infill projects in Bristol’s Temple Quarter and Leeds Waterfront

• Evaluation

  • Efficient use of space improves derelict areas and reduces commuting distances

  • Can cause overcrowding and loss of green space within cities

The impact of urban change

• Positive Impacts

  • Job creation and new investment

  • Better housing and transport

  • Revitalised city centres with tourism and cultural opportunities

• Negative Impacts

  • Rising inequality between rich and poor areas

  • Pressure on infrastructure and public services

  • Environmental problems like pollution and congestion

Rural change in the UK

• Population changes, economic issues, and increased service demand have impacted UK rural areas

• Counter-urbanisation is having a bigger impact on rural areas, which is leading to commuter settlements

• These changes bring opportunities but also challenges — especially for housing affordability and community ties

Causes of rural change

• Improved transport links (motorways, high-speed rail) make daily commuting possible

• Growth of remote and flexible working

• Desire for a rural lifestyle and lower crime rates

• The expansion of nearby cities is increasing housing demand

• Young people are leaving rural areas to look for jobs

Characteristics of commuter settlements

• Predominantly residential, with many residents working elsewhere

• High proportion of middle-income professionals

• Growth of new housing estates and renovated farm buildings

• Examples

  • South Oxfordshire villages (e.g. Kidlington) – popular with commuters to Oxford and London

  • South Wales valleys (e.g. Pontypridd, Caerphilly) – connected to Cardiff by rail

  • Cotswold villages – increasing in population due to proximity to Bristol and Birmingham

Positive impacts of rural change

• More customers for rural services such as pubs, shops, and schools

• Improved broadband and public transport links

• Refurbishment of old buildings and improved infrastructure

• Diversification of local economies (tourism, small business, creative industries)

Negative impacts of rural change

• New developments and the influx of wealthier residents increase house prices, which exclude younger or lower-income locals

• Increase in car ownership and traffic congestion and a strain on infrastructure

• Decline in traditional farming and local employment

• Reduced sense of community as populations become more transient

• An ageing population and fewer services

Comparison – urban vs rural change