5.2.2

Changes in Places

Test yourself

Reasons for Changes in Places

The structure of places can change for a wide range of reasons:

Illustrative background for Planning restrictionsIllustrative background for Planning restrictions ?? "content

Planning restrictions

  • Planning restrictions and local councils can either enable or prevent changes.
  • Many places in London need to 'keep a view of St Pauls' Cathedral' and this stops a lot of developments being built.
  • Allowing building on greenbelt or brownbelt land could change the makeup of places.
Illustrative background for Clone high streetsIllustrative background for Clone high streets ?? "content

Clone high streets

  • Clone high streets describe high streets that could be the same anywhere across the country. They often contain similar chain stores like Greggs, River Island and Nando's.
  • Lots of towns have clone high streets, but some areas try to revert to more historical shopping trends with boutique or artisan stores. This is noticeable in areas of London like Notting Hill.
Illustrative background for Transportation Illustrative background for Transportation  ?? "content

Transportation

  • Access to a region can be increased by a range of infrastructure projects.
  • A new motorway junction, railway station or regional airport can open up new areas. These places may become more attractive to workers or commuters, or may facilitate a new Amazon fulfilment centre.
Illustrative background for Transportation examplesIllustrative background for Transportation examples ?? "content

Transportation examples

  • In London, the Elizabeth line connects East and West London more efficiently, whilst Battersea, which doesn't have a tube stop, is having one built on the Northern Line at Battersea Power Station.
  • The development of the HS2 railway line could better connect London to the North of England.
Illustrative background for Digital revolutionIllustrative background for Digital revolution ?? "content

Digital revolution

  • The internet, broadband and mobile phone data are all improving people's connectedness and their ability to do things remotely.
  • More contractors may work remotely, meaning that offices can be smaller and people may work from home.
Illustrative background for Digital revolution cont.Illustrative background for Digital revolution cont. ?? "content

Digital revolution cont.

  • Internet shopping and online banking have had a large impact on the high street. Lots of banks like Lloyds are closing physical bank branches because so many people use online banking.
  • Software development companies are in a footloose, which could locate anywhere. Many companies like to set up in old redundant farm buildings or disused warehouses. Some old industrial buildings are used in the likes of Old Street or by office companies like WeWork.

Measuring Changes in Places

Geographers measure changes within places using the following methods:

Illustrative background for Land-use changesIllustrative background for Land-use changes ?? "content

Land-use changes

  • You can carry out land-use mapping (fieldwork) and compare this with old maps from different time periods.
Illustrative background for Demographic changesIllustrative background for Demographic changes ?? "content

Demographic changes

  • The ONS (Office of National Statistics) provides data on demographic trends over time.
  • You could also use the National Census to try to get this information.
Illustrative background for Levels of deprivationIllustrative background for Levels of deprivation ?? "content

Levels of deprivation

  • Using indices that measure the level of deprivation (like the IMD) is a way of measuring the changes and trends in places.

Jump to other topics

1Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4Globalisation

5Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6Option 4B: Diverse Places

7The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9Superpowers (A2 only)

10Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson