Chapter 1: the working context

A small island

In the second place it is important to recognise that, although persuasive arguments can be adduced in favour of urban dispersal, this island is not big enough for large scale dispersal if a sensible relationship is to be maintained between developed areas and open country, Opinions may vary as to the future role of agriculture, but no one could question the special importance of the countryside to the people of this crowded island, or be prepared, when really faced with the issue, to see a large part of it sacrificed to a major dispersal of urban areas in order to accommodate motor traffic. After all, to 'get out into the countryside is one of the main reasons why people buy cars.