Despite the combined efforts of British planners, politicians, the public and interest groups, the ‘Solent City’ stands as one of a number of instances of a peculiar instance of urban sprawl – muted, and slow to emerge – yet produced paradoxically by very strong interests in promoting conservation and restraint.
This unique and valuable case study, while focusing on the planning and development of South Hampshire in particular, enables an in-depth study of the issues surrounding planning strategies with regards to growing populations.
Reviews
"Nick Phelps has made an important contribution to understanding the pathology of planning. An Anatomy of Sprawl combines rich empirical analysis with insightful observations which academics, planners and students should take on board."
Phil Allmendinger, Professor of Land Economy, University of Cambridge & Fellow of Clare College
"The first comprehensively researched and critical examination of the pressure for urban growth in the UK since Peter Hall's 'The Containment of Urban England'. If you thought the planning system has always achieved urban containment, this book reveals graphically the painful political attempts to manage and plan the impacts on our cities, countryside, and communities."
Mark Tewdwr-Jones, UCL
"A richly detailed analysis of urban and regional planning processes and outcomes that should be required reading for U.S planners and planning students and anyone interested in pro-growth/no-growth/smart growth issues. Phelps is masterful in weaving the detail of his account within the framework of broader issues."
Paul L. Knox, University Distinguished Professor and Senior Fellow for International Advancement at Virginia Tech
Contents
Foreword Sir Peter Hall Preface 1. Introduction 2. Muddling Through: An Anatomy of British Urban Sprawl 3. The Fall and Rise of 'Solent City' 4. Administering Sprawl in South Hampshire 5. S Growth and Conservation in South Hampshire 6. Strategic Growth and the Provision of Services and Infrastructure in South Hampshire 7. The Metropolis Without a Government 8. Conclusion
