Introduction to the United Kingdom

• The United Kingdom is an island country off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe.
• Great Britain contains England, Wales, and Scotland, which are part of the UK.
• The northern portion of the island of Ireland is also part of the UK.
• "Britain" is sometimes used to refer to the United Kingdom as a whole.
• The capital of the UK is London, a leading global center for commerce, finance, and culture.
• Other major cities include Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester in England; Belfast and Londonderry in Northern Ireland; Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland; and Swansea and Cardiff in Wales.
• The Head of Government is the Prime Minister and head of the state is the ceremonial King Charles III.

Government Structure

• The UK government is a parliamentary democracy with a monarch as head of state.
• The Prime Minister leads the government.
• England has a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system.
• The urban planning system is well-developed and primarily managed by local authorities through "plan-led" development.
• National policies are outlined in the National Planning Policy Framework.
• Significant local input is allowed in planning decisions.

Planning Legislation and Authorities

• The "Town and Country Planning Act" is the primary legislation governing urban planning, establishing the framework for the current system.
• Local planning authorities (LPAs) are responsible for preparing and implementing local plans.
• These plans determine development areas and land use within their jurisdiction.
• The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out overarching national planning policies.
• Local authorities must consider these policies when making planning decisions.

Plan-Led System and Devolved Powers

• The UK utilizes a "plan-led" system where development is largely guided by locally prepared plans.
• The system ensures community engagement and consideration of local needs.
• Some aspects of urban planning are devolved to regional and local administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
• This occurs while the national government sets the primary planning framework.

Historical Context

• Roman Era (1st century BC to 5th century AD): The Roman conquest of Britain introduced early forms of urban planning.
• Cities like London and infrastructure such as roads and walls were established.
• Norman Conquest (1066): William the Conqueror's victory led to feudalism and centralized governance.
• It did not significantly impact urban planning directly.
• 1707: The Treaty of Union united England (including Wales) and Scotland under a single government.
• 1801: The Act of Union added Ireland to form the United Kingdom.
• 18th–19th centuries: Rapid industrial growth led to significant urbanization.
• Cities expanded without much regulation.
• Rapid growth overwhelmed existing infrastructure, resulting in overcrowding, pollution, and disease.
• Canals were built to transport raw materials and goods.
• The invention of the steam engine led to the development of railways, which transformed transportation and further fueled urbanization.
• The influential Garden City movement, which advocated for the development of self-contained, greenfield communities, was founded in the UK in 1898 by social reformer Ebenezer Howard.
• Howard believed that the overcrowding and pollution of industrial towns and cities were detrimental to human health and wellbeing.
• The construction of the New Town of Edinburgh in the 18th century is one of the earliest recorded examples of planned urbanisation in the UK (initiated in 1766).
• It was initiated to alleviate overcrowding and improve living conditions in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
• Social reformers advocated for new models of urban development.
• First council housing projects were initiated to provide affordable housing for the working class.
• Introduction of the automobile began.
• 1906/1909: The term 'town planning' emerged and was first used in legislation through the Housing and Town Planning Act 1909.