Limits to the mega-city region: contrasting local and regional needs

Abstract

Interest in the city-region has been revived in recent spatial planning and development policy. The economic arguments have been most prominent, rather than the environmental and social dimensions. This paper analyses the tension between local needs and regional interests, using the Thames Gateway as an example. It plans to concentrate the supply of new housing in an area east of London in response to wider growth pressures. Yet the priority locally is economic and social development for existing residents rather than more housing for incomers. The paper explores the contrast between the regional housing agenda and the needs of local communities for jobs, skills and improved services. It shows how the pursuit of narrow regional objectives may complicate the task of local regeneration. There are important lessons for city-region theory and practice in not constraining the role envisaged for secondary cities and towns.