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.

Paul Cloke

List of figures; List of tables; Acknowledgements; Preface; Guide to reading; 1. Introduction 2. Change in rural settlements 3. Theory and rural settlement planning 4. Central government legislation and advice 5. Development plans and their reviews 6. Structure-plan policies 7. Establishing a policy framework 8. Rural settlement planning in practice 9. Policy implementation 10. Local planning in rural areas 11. Special cases: the role of designated areas 12. What future?; Bibliography; Author index; Subject index