Urban Update 10 January 2025

New Year - New Urgency

Jane Manning – Joint Editor of Urban Design writes….


Happy New Year !

2025 promises some important shifts in built environment policy in the UK and internationally.  But as the years tick by since the Kyoto Agreement in 1997 and the speed of change in the climate becomes ever clearer, we should see 2025 as the last opportunity to adopt an approach to urban design that indisputably embraces the climate emergency. We have 25 years left to meet the full Net Zero target in the UK, and only 5 years left to meet the 2030 partial target of a 68 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (a target that the Climate Change Committee warned last year we are dangerously under-equipped to meet).

Given the time-lag between agreeing urban design strategies and delivering intervention on the ground, this year is the last chance saloon. Whether it is adopting regenerative design in suburban extensions or urban acupuncture and retrofit in town centre masterplans, our New Year’s resolutions need to push the bar higher.

A longer version of this article appears in the current edition of Urban Design journal 

 


How serious - How Urgent? 

2024 was the year global temperatures broke the 1.5 centigrade limit.  And 2025 seems likely to see a move away from investment in climate and life-saving technology in various states across the globe as national and political interests hold sway over the long term good of the human race and life as whole. 

The seriousness of our situation should be clear to anyone... climate change, flooding, coastal erosion, heatwaves, extinction of life forms some caused by climate change and ocean acidification, others caused by disease and pests carelessly introduced into new biosystems, persistent pollutants, nano-plastics in air, water and soil *(and in the cells of living organisms including us), declining water quality in sea, lakes and rivers, water shortages, energy supply shortages ....the list goes on and on. Its grim, and its not being taken seriously.

There are many of us who think there has been little change over the past 20 years.  We are building basically the same housing to the same standards of insulation and using the same street layouts. The main difference seems to be that some houses are marketed with an "environmental option" such as four solar panels and electric car charging points.  

It has been possible to build social housing to passivhaus standards   but this has been the exception. Instead we have created housing that is unfit for use in the net-zero era, unless it is retrofitted at crippling expense.  

Think Globally, Act Locally was an idea that perhaps originates with Patrick Geddes and his book Cities in Evolution (1915). And 2024 was also the year in which a group of women in Switzerland acted locally: they took the Swiss Government to the European Court of Human Rights over its failure to do enough to address climate change - and won.    They are an example of what individuals can do. 

Over the next few weeks we will be exploring these issues in Urban Update.

  • what needs to be done?
  • what are our individual responsibilities as people working or interested in urban design and concerned about the welfare of grandchildren and great grandchildren across the globe?  
  • do we have a choice or are we imprisoned in a system that limits our abilities to bring change?

 

News and Research

Energy and Climate Change


 2024 first year to exceed 1.5 centigrade above the pre-industrial global average temperature >>>>


Global interactive map of flood risk from sea level rise and storm surges >>>>

 
Weatherwatch: The need to wake up to sea level rise in the UK >>>>
Sea level is currently rising at 3.6mm per annum.


‘Ironic’: climate-driven sea level rise will overwhelm major oil ports, study shows >>>>

 
Earth at 1.5 degrees warming: How vulnerable is Antarctica? - Dialogues on Climate Change
Antarctica is facing significant climate change impacts, with the greatest risks of rapid ice retreat in areas below sea level. Current ice loss is just the beginning, and as global temperatures rise beyond 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, this loss will accelerate. Understanding the vulnerabilities of the Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) is crucial for predicting its future contribution to sea-level rise (SLR) and guiding mitigation and adaptation efforts.

 
Climate Change Disrupting Global Water Cycle – Latest Global Water Monitor Report >>>>

 
Canals have vital role to play in UK’s climate resilience, says Canal and River Trust  >>>>

 
National assessment of flood and coastal erosion risk in England 2024 >>>>

The New Year period has seen many stories about coastal erosion in Norfolk, such as at Hemsby where around 6 metres are being lost per annum. 



Humans, Health, Society

New food-security report UK published by Government  >>>>
The report stresses the need for nature conservation.  However the potential for PFAs, micro and nanoplastics entering the food chain is not covered.
 England adopted advanced monitoring for persistent chemicals in 2019 and consequentially no surface water bodies in England attained good chemical status in 2019.
The report states that it is due to “3 ubiquitous, persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic (uPBT) pollutants”  There is a similar situation in Europe. The pollutants include brominated diphenyl ethers (used as fire retardants in fabrics, upholstery and insulation), mercury, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (produced during burning such as in car engines, incinerators) and tributyltin which “was” used for antifouling, preserving wood, and as pesticide.
 
It is important to realise the circular processes: that the products used in urban areas, and the wastes produced end up in rivers, sea, soil and atmosphere and may return in the food we eat, and the water we drink.
 


Common Plastic Additives May Have Affected The Health of Millions >>>>
BPA (bisphenol A),
DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) and
PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers


Tea bags release millions of plastic particles during brewing >>>>

  • Polypropylene released around 1.2 billion particles per millilitre, with an average size of 136.7 nanometres.
  • Cellulose released 135 million particles per millilitre, averaging 244 nanometres.
  • Nylon-6 released 8.18 million particles per millilitre, averaging 138.4 nanometres.


Farmer polluted fields with compost contaminated with plastics, metal, textiles, rubber and treated wood. >>>> 

An example of the urban-rural-circular economy.


Wastewater treatment plants funnel PFAS into drinking water >>>>
This article from New Scientist raises concerns that “treated” waste water from sewage works contain a cocktail of fluorinated compounds: not only PFAS (from  but also pharmaceuticals such as statins, and SSRIs - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (used to treat depression).  Modelling suggests that maximum levels permitted in drinking water drawn from rivers downstream of the works, could be exceeded, especially at times of reduced rainfall.


Why are these an urban design issue? - because towns and cities will have to be designed and retrofitted to deal with these, including the retrofitting of pollution control systems that go far beyond the current systems which are basically Victorian.  There's a massive opportunity and a responsibility for people from all backgrounds working within urban design to rise to these challenges. 


The NHS Forest project and the potential to save 'more than £2bn a year' if everyone had access to green spaces >>>>
 
Green space availability is not enough, its visits and usage that matter: Assessing associations between natural environments and depressive and anxiety symptoms - Landscape and Urban Planning
This study is based on a survey of 11,505 adults in the Netherlands. Respondents self-reported their depressive and anxiety symptoms, and frequency of visits to different types of green and blue spaces. Nature availability was captured based on respondents’ residential neighbourhoods.
 
The paper warns that merely having green or blue spaces in residential areas is not enough for significant mental health benefits. The frequency of visits and activities in these spaces are crucial.  Urban green and blue spaces should be designed to encourage physical activity and social interaction to motivate people to visit.  Policies should focus not only on providing green and blue spaces but also on ensuring that people from lower-income backgrounds have access to the same activities within these spaces.
 
 
Not just Urban or Natural - but a range of variation: Aligning descriptions used in research classifications with what humans actually perceive - Journal of Environmental Psychology

We tend to use a typology that allows for just two types of environment: Urban and Natural. - this study invites us to rethink 

The study aimed to assess how ratings for “liking”, “fascination”, and “visual discomfort” vary across different environmental scenes and how these factors correlate with each other.  It then went on to compare two models: one that sees natural and urban environments as fundamentally different, and a more complex empirical model based on image naturalness and similarity.

The study suggests that variability within environmental types (nature or urban) should be considered in future research, as it improves understanding of the factors affecting cognition, health, and wellbeing in different environments.

Note: The study is using responses to images of environments as opposed to being in the environments which is quite an important distinction – research we reported on last year showed that the people respond differently to photographs as opposed to the real world.  It also uses a very small sample size. Nevertheless we should be aware of the tendency to separate natural and urban environments artificially without considering more fundamental aspects that aid well-being.
 

Natural Environment 

 
Blue Infrastructure as Nature-based Solutions for Urban Sustainability: Evaluating Local Perceptions from four Indian Megacities - Nature-Based Solutions
This study analyzed the perceptions of 616 urban residents across four Indian megacities to explore blue infrastructure as a nature-based solution for urban sustainability. Results showed that blue infrastructure offers significant ecosystem services, particularly in regulating and cultural services. Both neglected and well-maintained blue infrastructure contribute differently to urban sustainability. Respondents' socio-cultural characteristics played a key role in shaping their views on the importance of blue infrastructure in addressing urban challenges.
 
Ash dieback experts identify temporary shoots of hope for threatened trees >>>>
The fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus that causes Ash dieback has been present in Europe for at least four decades, but was identified only in 2006.
Long-term control options for ash dieback include:

  1. Planting of resistant ash varieties.
  2. Management practices based on microclimate models and a better understanding of the pathogen's life cycle.
  3. Use of biocontrol agents from the ash microbiome or pathogen mycoviruses.

Latest European data suggests that around 50 percent of ash trees will be lost to Hymenoscyphus fraxineus.  At one time it was feared that the loss would be around 95 percent.
However the emerald ash borer beetle (a native of east Asia) has caused massive tree losses in Northern America where it is predicted to lead to claim 9 million trees. It has established itself in Eastern Russia and the Ukraine and is likely to spread.   The prospects look bleak.

 

Built Environment 

 
Urban growth strategy in Greater Sydney led to unintended social and environmental challenges - Nature Cities
Cities have improved economically and socially over the past 50 years, raising the living standards for millions of people. However, population growth and urban expansion have put pressure on social and environmental conditions. This study analyzes 500 pages of urban plans from Greater Sydney (1968–2018) to understand how urban policymakers see the causal relationships in urban development.  Findings show that policymakers followed a growth strategy focused on economic and infrastructure development for the past 50 years.  Over time, this strategy caused social and environmental problems that negatively impacted societal well-being.  While policymakers eventually recognized these issues, they never fundamentally changed the growth strategy.  Instead, they addressed the problems piecemeal, tackling individual symptoms rather than addressing the root causes.
 
Micro-enterprise as an option for building affordable housing – a study in Cape Town - Environment & Urbanization
In Cape Town there are moves to create a more collaborative approach to development, involving citizens, micro-developers, and other actors, rather than top-down state control.
A coalition has brought together diverse partners to support micro-developers and encourage policy reforms within the City Council. Key issues include access to finance for micro-developers and the regularization of existing rental properties that are not legally compliant, and larger issues like land title and national building regulations that need national reform. 
 

Schemes

 
Huge extension to Leicestershire town approved “Melton North Sustainable Neighbourhood.” >>>>
 
The new garden towns set to reshape Kent in 2025 >>>>
Otterpool Park, Highstead Park Chatham, Ebbsfleet, Chilmington Green, South East Favesham (Duchy of Cornwall)
 
Northamptonshire councils approve more than 2,000 new homes >>>>

Oxfordshire's biggest planning applications of 2024 >>>>
 
The biggest Leicester and Leicestershire developments approved this year >>>>

 

England


New council powers to boost housebuilding and infrastructure >>>>
Under proposals set out by the Government today, local councils across the country will be empowered to buy cheaper land through the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders and build much needed homes and infrastructure as part of the government’s Plan for Change milestone to build 1.5 million new homes while driving growth across the country
 
TCPA criticises revised NPPF over ‘new generation of slum homes’ in England by continuing to allowing conversion of offices into residential accommodation >>>>
The permitted development rights were introduced under the Conservative administration.  Concerns include lack of natural light, inadequate space, ventilation and overheating.
 
England’s new towns must be walkable and green, say Create Streets  >>>>
New Discussion Paper – Creating New Towns Fast and Well
 

Movement

Urban street dynamics: Assessing the relationship of sidewalk width and pedestrian activity in Auckland, New Zealand, based on mobile phone data - Urban Studies
This study examined whether Auckland's sidewalk widths (or footway widths if you are in England) meet the needs of pedestrians amid growing trends in active mobility. Using a large-scale mobile phone dataset, the analysis compared sidewalk sizes with user mobility patterns. Findings show sidewalks range from 2 to 5 metres, but no clear link between width and pedestrian flow patterns. Different areas had distinct sidewalk width needs.  The study calls for a more tailored approach to urban planning that reflects diverse pedestrian needs.
 
NB – Imperial measurements were in common use and still are with the nearest round number metric equivalent adopted.  Eg 24ft wide carriageways became 7.3 metres.  Unfortunately the metric dimensions have a scientific gravitas that disguises the fact that the widths were originally rules of thumb.
 


Driverless bus service in Scotland to be withdrawn due to lack of interest >>>>
Apparently the service was not only driverless, but also passengerless.

 
Why does Cambridge have so many unusual road layouts? >>>>
This article reflects on the reworking of streets in Cambridge including Dutch Roundabouts, Copenhagen Crossings, streets with space reallocated to include segregated cycle paths and swales.  Currently around 1/3rd of workers in Cambridge cycle to work

 
Could bike lanes reshape car-crazy Los Angeles? >>>>
Currently 7 percent of people in Los Angeles use public transport to get to work, and just 1 percent cycle -despite the very favourable weather.

 
Trams are ‘long-term answer’ to solve Bristol’s transport problems >>>>

 
HIF1: Oxfordshire groups react to major Didcot roads plan >>>>
The government has approved a £269 million road infrastructure project, the HIF1 scheme, which will create a new dual carriageway and bypasses in Oxfordshire.  Criticisms have continued with protest groups calling the scheme outdated and environmentally harmful, arguing it doesn’t address modern transport needs. They say that the scheme promotes car dependency and lacks ambition for sustainable alternatives like bus corridors or light trams, and that it will only relieve traffic for 10 years before further congestion returns.   However representatives of Oxfordshire County Council have, defended the project, stating it will improve congestion, air quality, and noise, and provide sustainable travel options for residents and commuters.  

 
Tarmac trials new technique to cut concrete road noise >>>>
Above 20mph tyre noise is the main source of noise nuisance.  This technique involves cutting grooves in the concrete with a claimed noise reduction of “up-to” 7 decibels. 

 
Assessing Road Safety Impacts of Policy Actions in Finland 2004-2021 - Public Works Management & Policy
In this study experts assessed the impact of 49 road safety policy actions in Finland, finding that impact has declined in recent years (2004-2021) compared to 1971-2003.
Key policies in the 1970s, like seatbelt regulations, motorcycle helmets, winter tire requirements, and drunk-driving limits, brought about substantial improvements in road safety   However recent policies have mainly focussed on road user behaviour and vehicle safety, with less emphasis on safe speeds, which had been a focus in earlier decades.
Some policies in the 2010s were seen as harmful to road safety, such as allowing new types of motorized transport, faster vehicles for young drivers, and lowering driving license requirements.
Missing National Plan: Finland lacked a national road safety plan between 2015-2021, which coincided with some negative policy impacts.
Vision Zero Progress: Overall, Finland’s road safety policies are moving in the right direction toward reducing fatalities, though more research on policy effectiveness is needed.
Need for Evidence-based Policies: The study highlights the importance of evidence-based policymaking and suggests more comparative studies between countries to improve road safety strategies.
 
 
Urban Mobility Readiness Index – Oliver Wyman Forum
The 2024 Urban Mobility Readiness Index: Conducted by the Oliver Wyman Forum and UC Berkeley, the index tracks cities' investments in infrastructure, efficiency, and innovation. San Francisco ranks first, focusing on innovation, public transit access, and sustainable mobility technologies.

  • Technology Adoption and Innovation: San Francisco leads in adopting AVs and robo-taxis, with other cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Austin, and Munich also testing autonomous vehicles. Air taxis are gaining attention, with operations starting in cities like Shanghai, Los Angeles, and New York.
  • Public Transit and Large Events: Major events like the Olympics drive investment in public transit. Cities like Paris and Los Angeles are expanding transit infrastructure for such events, boosting ridership.
  • Sustainable Mobility and EV Uptake: Cities are promoting electric vehicles (EVs) and e-buses to reduce emissions. Helsinki leads with incentives for EVs and charging stations, while European governments face challenges in maintaining EV subsidies.
  • Inclusive and Accessible Mobility: Ensuring safety and accessibility in transportation improves urban livability. Cities like Lagos and Milan are focusing on safety and infrastructure for all commuters.