An analysis of the processes operating in the rural-urban fringe with special reference to Canterbury

The Rural-Urban fringe has been somewhat of a neglected topic in Geography yet it has far reaching implications affecting choices for society in terms of the management of land use, of the level· of services, of the provision of recreation, of employment and, above all, of the quality of the environment. This study attempts to consider the processes which cause pressure on land use over space and time. The investigation focuses on the City of Canterbury. It tries to assess the management of the demand from the urban area and the likely conflicts which the Planning Authority must face. It becomes apparent that there are forces which are ever, more fundamental - the constraints and demands placed on the use of land by society. Thus, economic, political and historical factors together with the structures of our society provide the explanation of the spatial patterns. This is demonstrated by the detailed empirical examination of two areas in the rural-urban fringe of Canterbury. The Study stresses the need for a flexible, holistic and dynamic approach.