The report, by Entec UK Ltd, looks at the role and scope which action plans for the urban fringe might have, and how these might be implemented.

Urban Fringe Action Plans: Their Role, Scope, and Mechanisms for Implementation - Final Report

This is the final report of a study carried by Entec UK Limited in 2003, for The Countryside Agency.


Earlier research for The Countryside Agency recommended that an overarching planning framework for the countryside around towns is needed at all levels from national to local, and that at the local level multi-functional urban fringe action plans might co-ordinate action and change. It was suggested that the main means for implementation of such action plans could be through the reformed planning system, and in particular in the shape of Local Development Framework (LDF) area action plans.

The report looks at the role and scope which action plans for the urban fringe might have, and how these might be implemented. It pays particular regard to how such action plans might shape, and relate to, the emerging policy frameworks for urban fringe areas, notably those arising from the proposed changes to the planning system, and the preparation of the new Community Strategies by Local strategic Partnerships.

As background, the report looks at the varied types of areas identifiable as urban fringe, and the differing visions and the range of community aspirations for the urban fringe. It considers, briefly, the issues which are raised if these visions and aspirations are to be fulfilled, and the role of strategies and action plans suggested by previous research. A review of existing action plans with an urban fringe dimension is undertaken and a possible model for an urban fringe action plan is outlined.

This report can be downloaded as a pdf by clicking on the right hand link.