| Abstract: | For some time, local authorities have attempted to restrict the residential development of large, medium and small settlements on the grounds of the regional and local land use planning impacts. However, the changing distribution of national populations and associated housing pressure during recent decades suggest a need for a more appropriate land use planning response. One such approach is the creation of freestanding new settlements. Using a Scottish case study, this paper assesses the impact of such developments on residential mobility patterns and examines the socio-economic characteristics of residents and their level of satisfaction with the provision of services. The study provides one measure of the effectiveness of new settlements as a planning mechanism for meeting the needs of residential development from the consumers' perspective. It is concluded that free-standing new settlements are in danger of becoming elitist satellite communities where residents are likely to be disadvantaged in terms of service provision. |
