First published in 1979. Concern about the processes at work in Britain’s urban areas, coupled with steep declines in the population projections, led to a review of urban and regional policies in the mid-1970s, with major implications for the new towns as an element of national policy. The various stages and the conclusions of this re-appraisal are discussed, and the new towns’ role in the supposed ‘urban crisis’ is analysed. This title will be of interest to students of urban studies and development.

This book explores the evolution of New Towns in France and the UK in a number of areas (governance, planning and heritage) and assess whether their legacy can inspire current planned settlements.