Planning for Sustainability: Lessons from Studying Neighbourhood Shopping Areas

Abstract

Neighbourhood shops are ubiquitous. They are also considered to contribute to sustainability. Yet they do not feature high on the planning agenda. This paper takes an empirical look at how planning engages with this feature of urban life, using London as a case study. It considers local policy frameworks for neighbourhood shopping areas and demonstrates the scope of the ambitions revealed. It considers the limitations of planning regulation for achieving these ambitions and assesses the potential offered by neighbourhood planning to protect and enhance such areas, recognising their mixed-use character. This supports consideration of how planning systems can engage with the everyday and of the issues that this gives rise to, including the relation of project to strategy, the different types of knowledge required, and the differential needs for community support.

Space and spatial practices in times of confinement. Evidence from three European countries: Austria, France and Poland

“…The questions on the location and spatial patterns of the "essential facilities", both commercial and public, lie of course in the heart of the discussion on the quality and sustainability of neighbourhoods (e.g. Hamiduddin 2018;Rydin 2019). The city of short distances concept (Wegener 1994) emphasises mixed use in housing areas, with the special focus on the functions that can supply the majority of everyday needs of the residents and that can be accessed by walking or cycling.…”

A neighbourhood‐scale conceptual model towards regenerative circularity for the built environment

“…Reconnecting the community involves responding to context and creating a sense of place, where place refers to the many complex and interacting layers of geographic and cultural features (Mang & Reed, 2012a). For many decades, urban studies have explored in what ways liveable cities may be reinterpreted, including Gehl's (2010) criteria for protection, comfort, and delight in urban spaces, and encouraging the existence of all the basic needs, services and shops at comfortable walking distances (Rydin, 2019). The redesign of public spaces under these circumstances may be an important enabler for the regeneration of the social fabric and promotion of healthy lifestyles.…”

“…Strengthening local economies is an essential component of sustainable communities (Rydin, 2019), with jobs, business activities, and skills as usual indicators of economic sustainability (Turcu, 2012) and key drivers of health and wellbeing (Barton, 2017), contributing to eliminate poverty, provide food security, and increase gender equality and social equity (Padilla-Rivera et al, 2020).…”

Transformation and Sustainable Development of Shopping Centers: Case of Czech and Slovak Cities

“…Cities with a robust network of shopping centers that supply goods and services to the nearest area should be more sustainable than those without such a network [36]. Shopping centers can contribute to an effective urban zone's operation and sustainability [37]. In fact, all sustainability pillars are included.…”

“…Apart from restaurants and cafes, shopping centers include cinemas and various sports facilities. Families and communities spend more and more time there, which may support the sustainability of social capital [37]. Events at shopping centers can realize community functions such as increased social interaction and strengthen social bonds to a certain degree [41].…”