Originally Posted by
Waterways
You do not read do you?...This is land certainly could be put to better use for the population of the UK... Much land could be turned over to public forests.
I've read what you've written which is almost entirely off the emerging particular point (of how big our cities should be).
There may indeed be better uses for agricultural land - restoration of primaeval forests, leisure - even second homes, but not spreading the population centres, wasting resources, producing very nasty places and a poor quality of life. Even from personal experience, I would say that living in sprawling cities is a wearisome and demoralising experience unless you live in the centre. Paris would be the nearest example but I don't know of any other European city that has its infamous banlieue. As you say, the Europeans tend to keep the cities in the cities and the country in the country.
Take the money from farmers if you can but not to despoil the nation's natural resource along the way; and do ensure that we employ less intensive farming methods which have been improving the environment and our diets for the last two decades (unless you shop in Lidl).
As for Westminster, it is a useful parallel as it has density on a par with a sustainable city and everyone knows what it looks like (more than Hackney for example) - hence no need to draw a picture.
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The density of about 150 new dwellings per hectare would give rise to a 'district' with an average of 5 or so storeys allowing for 60% gardens, open space and roads. You could debate the most desirable building typology but suggest that the average dwelling would consist of an owner-occupied 3 storey, 10-room house possible with basement totalling 150sqm and two rented single storey apartments above plus a back garden and possibly mews cottage single accommodation.
At this density, building higher in certain 'hub' areas and relaxing the street pattern would enable open squares and other public amenities. Think Edinburgh New Town, Hackney, Clerkenwell or even our own Georgian Quarter. Sounds attractive to me and better than blasting the **** out of the environment and 'our' countryside.
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