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The concept of a green belt was influenced by European urban planning ideas, such as the Ringstraße in Vienna, developed after 1900.
Answer: False
Explanation: While influenced by European urban planning concepts like Vienna's Ringstraße, these developments largely predated 1900, serving as precedents for later green belt ideas.
The London Society and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) were key proponents of establishing a green belt in the early 20th century.
Answer: True
Explanation: The London Society put forward a significant proposal in its 1919 'Development Plan of Greater London,' and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) also worked alongside the LS to advocate for a belt to prevent urban sprawl.
The housing boom between 1921 and 1939 made the creation of a contiguous green belt easier due to the lack of dense development.
Answer: False
Explanation: The significant housing boom between 1921 and 1939 resulted in dense development across much of the area, complicating the establishment of a contiguous green belt.
The New Towns Act 1946, enacted by the Conservative government, was crucial in accelerating the designation of the Metropolitan Green Belt.
Answer: False
Explanation: The New Towns Act 1946 was enacted by the Labour government's Attlee ministry, and alongside other planning policies, it accelerated the designation of the Metropolitan Green Belt and the development of new towns outside its boundaries.
The Greater London Regional Planning Committee formally proposed the Metropolitan Green Belt in 1935 with the aim of providing public open spaces and recreational areas.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1935, the Greater London Regional Planning Committee formally proposed the Metropolitan Green Belt, specifying its purpose as providing a reserve of public open spaces and recreational areas.
Patrick Abercrombie's 1944 Greater London Plan proposed a green belt extending up to 15 miles wide around London.
Answer: False
Explanation: Patrick Abercrombie's 1944 Greater London Plan recommended a green belt of up to six miles (9.7 km) wide around London.
The Green Belt Act of 1938 provided the final legislative framework for the immediate mapping and implementation of London's green belt.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Green Belt Act of 1938 provided essential legislative groundwork for defining green belt areas, but it took an additional 14 years for local authorities to precisely map the area around London.
Duncan Sandys' Circular 42/55 (1955) encouraged local authorities nationwide to establish Green Belts to manage urban growth and preserve town character.
Answer: True
Explanation: Circular 42/55, issued in 1955, urged local planning authorities to establish Green Belts where desirable to check urban growth, prevent towns from merging, or preserve a town's special character. This led to the codification of Green Belt policy and its extension beyond London.
The New Towns Act 1946 aimed to house populations within the Green Belt to relieve pressure on London.
Answer: False
Explanation: The New Towns Act 1946 facilitated the creation of new towns located *outside* the Green Belt to house populations and relieve pressure on London, working in conjunction with Green Belt policies.
Philosophical arguments from figures like John Ruskin supported the Green Belt policy by emphasizing the social benefits of dense urban living.
Answer: False
Explanation: Arguments from figures like John Ruskin and John Betjeman often emphasized the perceived social ills of urban environments and favored scenic or rustic settings, thereby indirectly supporting policies that restrained urban growth, rather than dense urban living.
What was the stated reason for Queen Elizabeth I's ban on new building near London in 1580?
Answer: To stop the spread of the plague.
Explanation: Queen Elizabeth I's ban on new building within a three-mile radius of the City of London after 1580 was primarily intended to prevent the spread of the plague, although it was not strictly enforced and was relatively short-lived.
Which European urban planning concept, developed before 1900, is cited as an influence on the idea of a green belt?
Answer: The Ringstraße in Vienna
Explanation: The concept of a green belt was partly inspired by European buffer zones and broad boulevards, such as Vienna's Ringstraße, which were developed before 1900 and often incorporated numerous parks.
Which organizations were key in advocating for a green belt around London in the early 20th century?
Answer: The London Society and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)
Explanation: The London Society put forward a significant proposal in its 1919 'Development Plan of Greater London,' and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) also worked alongside the LS to advocate for a belt to prevent urban sprawl.
How did the interwar housing boom (1921-1939) complicate the establishment of a green belt?
Answer: It resulted in dense development, making a contiguous belt difficult to achieve.
Explanation: The significant housing boom between 1921 and 1939 led to dense development across much of what is now Greater London, making the establishment of a contiguous green belt difficult. The rise in private transport also contributed to concerns about traffic congestion.
Which piece of legislation, enacted by the Attlee ministry, was key in establishing new towns outside the Green Belt?
Answer: The New Towns Act 1946
Explanation: The New Towns Act 1946, enacted by the Labour government's Attlee ministry, was crucial in facilitating the creation of new towns outside the Green Belt to house populations and relieve pressure on London.
Patrick Abercrombie's 1944 Greater London Plan recommended a green belt of what approximate width around London?
Answer: Up to 6 miles (9.7 km)
Explanation: Patrick Abercrombie's 1944 Greater London Plan recommended a green belt extending up to six miles (9.7 km) wide around London.
The Green Belt Act 1938 is significant because it:
Answer: Provided legislative groundwork for defining green belt areas.
Explanation: The Green Belt Act of 1938 provided essential legislative groundwork that allowed for the eventual definition and implementation of green belt areas, although the precise mapping took considerable time.
What was the intended relationship between the New Towns Act 1946 and Green Belt policy?
Answer: The Act facilitated the creation of new towns outside the Green Belt to house populations.
Explanation: The New Towns Act 1946 was enacted alongside Green Belt policies; it facilitated the creation of new towns outside the belt to house populations, while the Green Belt aimed to restrain the outward expansion of London itself.
The Metropolitan Green Belt was first formally proposed by which body?
Answer: The Greater London Regional Planning Committee
Explanation: The Metropolitan Green Belt was first formally proposed in 1935 by the Greater London Regional Planning Committee.
The Metropolitan Green Belt is exclusively located within the boundaries of Greater London.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Metropolitan Green Belt extends beyond the boundaries of Greater London, encompassing parts of several surrounding counties.
As of 2017/18, the Metropolitan Green Belt covered an area of approximately 1.2 million acres.
Answer: True
Explanation: Government statistics from 2017/18 indicate that the Metropolitan Green Belt planning designation covered approximately 1.2 million acres (513,860 hectares).
Milton Keynes and Stevenage are examples of new towns established outside the Green Belt under the New Towns Act 1946.
Answer: True
Explanation: New towns created outside the belt under the New Towns Act 1946 include Basildon, Bracknell, Harlow, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Milton Keynes, and Stevenage.
The redrawing of London into Greater London in 1965 significantly reduced its overall area, making Green Belt designation less necessary.
Answer: False
Explanation: The redrawing of London into Greater London in 1965 significantly increased its overall area. This expansion was partly facilitated by the designation of land elsewhere as Green Belt, rather than making designation less necessary.
The Metropolitan Green Belt was officially extended northwards in 1971 to encompass most of Essex, acknowledging new towns in the region.
Answer: False
Explanation: In mid-1971, the Metropolitan Green Belt was officially extended northwards to include almost all of Hertfordshire, acknowledging the presence of new towns in that county and neighboring Bedfordshire.
After 1955, London's green belt extended up to 35 miles out and covered an area roughly the size of London itself.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following policy changes after 1955, London's green belt was extended in places up to 35 miles out and covered an area approximately three times the size of London itself.
Between 2009 and 2014, the area designated as Metropolitan Green Belt increased by over 400 hectares.
Answer: False
Explanation: Between 2009 and 2014, the area designated as Metropolitan Green Belt actually decreased by approximately 435 hectares (1,070 acres).
By 2014, the Borough of Greenwich had lost its Green Belt designation, making it the only Inner London Borough to have ever held such status.
Answer: True
Explanation: By 2014, the Borough of Greenwich had lost its Green Belt designation. It was the sole Inner London Borough to have previously held this status.
Bedfordshire is the only county mentioned that has Green Belt designation across all of its local government units.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bedfordshire is noted as the only county comprising just three local government units, all of which possess Green Belt designation.
Which of the following counties is NOT listed as comprising parts of the Metropolitan Green Belt?
Answer: Yorkshire
Explanation: The Metropolitan Green Belt includes parts of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, and Surrey. Yorkshire is not listed as part of this designation.
According to 2017/18 government statistics, what was the approximate land area of the Metropolitan Green Belt in hectares?
Answer: 513,860 hectares
Explanation: Government statistics from 2017/18 indicate that the Metropolitan Green Belt planning designation covered approximately 513,860 hectares (1,269,800 acres).
Which of the following is listed as a new town created outside the Green Belt under the New Towns Act 1946?
Answer: Basildon
Explanation: New towns created outside the belt under the New Towns Act 1946 include Basildon, Bracknell, Harlow, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Milton Keynes, and Stevenage.
When London was redrawn into Greater London in 1965, its area increased significantly, partly offset by:
Answer: Designating land elsewhere as Green Belt.
Explanation: When London was redrawn into Greater London in 1965, its area increased substantially. This expansion was partly facilitated by the selective designation of land as Green Belt elsewhere, which helped manage urban development.
In 1971, the Metropolitan Green Belt was extended northwards primarily to include which county?
Answer: Hertfordshire
Explanation: In mid-1971, the Metropolitan Green Belt was officially extended northwards to include almost all of Hertfordshire, acknowledging the presence of new towns in that county and neighboring Bedfordshire.
After 1955, how far out could London's green belt extend, and what was its approximate size relative to London?
Answer: Up to 35 miles; roughly three times the size of London.
Explanation: Following policy changes after 1955, London's green belt was extended in places up to 35 miles out and covered an area approximately three times the size of London itself.
Which of the following natural areas was incorporated into the Green Belt during its extensions?
Answer: Epping Forest
Explanation: Extensions to the Green Belt incorporated significant natural areas and open land, including parts of the Surrey Hills, Chiltern Hills, and Epping Forest.
What change occurred in the Metropolitan Green Belt's area between 2009 and 2014?
Answer: It decreased by approximately 435 hectares.
Explanation: Between 2009 and 2014, the area designated as Metropolitan Green Belt experienced a reduction of approximately 435 hectares (1,070 acres).
According to the 2014 data, which county has the highest number of districts with Green Belt designation?
Answer: Greater London
Explanation: According to 2014 data, Greater London, comprising 32 boroughs, has the highest number of districts (18) with Green Belt designation.
In the county of Essex, which district has the highest percentage of its area designated as Green Belt?
Answer: Epping Forest
Explanation: Within Essex, the Epping Forest district has the highest percentage of its area designated as Green Belt, at 93%.
Which district in Surrey has the highest percentage of its area designated as Green Belt?
Answer: Tandridge
Explanation: In Surrey, the Tandridge district has the highest percentage of its area designated as Green Belt, at 94%.
According to 2014 data, which district in Hertfordshire has the highest percentage of its area designated as Green Belt?
Answer: St Albans
Explanation: According to 2014 data, St Albans district in Hertfordshire has the highest percentage of its area designated as Green Belt, at 82%.
Which London Boroughs have the lowest percentage (2%) of their area designated as Green Belt, according to 2014 data?
Answer: Haringey and Newham
Explanation: According to 2014 data, the London Boroughs of Haringey and Newham have the lowest percentage of their area designated as Green Belt, with only 2% each.
What percentage of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead's area is designated as Green Belt?
Answer: 83%
Explanation: The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has 83% of its area designated as Green Belt, according to the 2014 data.
What percentage of the Chiltern district's area is designated as Green Belt?
Answer: 89%
Explanation: The Chiltern district has 89% of its area designated as Green Belt, according to the 2014 data.
What was the total area designated as Metropolitan Green Belt according to the 2014 data presented in the table?
Answer: 514,060 hectares
Explanation: According to the 2014 data presented, the Metropolitan Green Belt totals 514,060 hectares.
Which district in Kent has the highest percentage of its area designated as Green Belt?
Answer: Sevenoaks
Explanation: In Kent, the Sevenoaks district has the highest percentage of its area designated as Green Belt, at 93%.
What was the approximate Green Belt designation in Mid Sussex, West Sussex, according to the 2014 data?
Answer: 0.06% of the district's area (20 hectares)
Explanation: In Mid Sussex, West Sussex, only 20 hectares, representing 0.06% of the district's area, was designated as Green Belt according to 2014 data.
The Metropolitan Green Belt serves as a planning designation intended to manage urban expansion, rather than primarily facilitate it.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Metropolitan Green Belt's primary objective is to control urban sprawl and preserve open land, not to facilitate urban expansion.
Extensions to the Green Belt primarily incorporated urban industrial zones and newly developed housing estates.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Green Belt land can be redesignated for certain uses, extensions primarily incorporated natural areas and open land, such as the Surrey Hills, Chiltern Hills, and Epping Forest, rather than urban industrial zones or housing estates.
Permitted land uses within the Green Belt are strictly limited to agriculture and forestry, with no allowance for recreational activities.
Answer: False
Explanation: Permitted land uses within the Green Belt include agriculture, forestry, and open-air leisure activities such as golf courses, alongside potential allowances for essential infrastructure or housing under specific circumstances.
Local Authorities can release Green Belt land for development only if they demonstrate 'exceptional circumstances' as defined by the 1955 Act.
Answer: True
Explanation: Local Authorities may release Green Belt land for development, but only when legally necessary 'exceptional circumstances' are demonstrated, as envisioned by policy originating from the 1955 Act.
What is the primary planning purpose of the Metropolitan Green Belt?
Answer: To preserve open land and control urban sprawl around London.
Explanation: The primary planning purpose of the Metropolitan Green Belt is to prevent uncontrolled urban sprawl and preserve open land around London, ensuring the availability of spaces for recreation and maintaining the character of the area.
What was the initial stated purpose of the Metropolitan Green Belt when formally proposed in 1935?
Answer: To ensure public open spaces and recreational areas.
Explanation: The Metropolitan Green Belt was formally proposed in 1935 with the stated purpose of providing a reserve of public open spaces and recreational areas, and to establish a girdle of open space around the city.
Which of the following is a land use generally permitted within designated Green Belt areas?
Answer: Open-air leisure uses like golf courses
Explanation: Permitted land uses within the Green Belt include agriculture, forestry, and open-air leisure activities such as golf courses, alongside potential allowances for essential infrastructure or housing under specific circumstances.
Under what condition can Local Authorities release Green Belt land for development according to the source?
Answer: Only under legally necessary 'exceptional circumstances'.
Explanation: Local Authorities can release Green Belt land for development only when legally necessary 'exceptional circumstances' are demonstrated, as outlined in policy guidance originating from the 1955 Act.
What does the term 'statutory green belt' imply?
Answer: It is a legally recognized and protected area established through planning legislation.
Explanation: The term 'statutory green belt' signifies that it is a legally recognized and protected area, established through planning legislation, which governs its designation and use.
Which of the following is a land use generally considered compatible with Green Belt policy?
Answer: Forestry and agricultural activities.
Explanation: Compatible land uses within Green Belt policy typically include agriculture, forestry, and recreation, provided they do not conflict with the primary aim of preventing urban sprawl and maintaining openness.
The Adam Smith Institute's 2014 report argued that the Metropolitan Green Belt contained minimal land suitable for development.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Adam Smith Institute's 2014 report argued that significant portions of the Metropolitan Green Belt, particularly land near train stations, were suitable for substantial development, potentially accommodating a million homes.
The Royal Town Planning Institute's report found that developing Green Belt land near stations would significantly decrease car journeys around London.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Royal Town Planning Institute's findings suggested that developing Green Belt land near stations could lead to a substantial increase in car journeys on congested roads around London, potentially exacerbating traffic issues.
The CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) asserts that green belts are a primary driver of high house prices in cities.
Answer: False
Explanation: The CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) argues that green belts are not the primary cause of high house prices, contending that price inflation is influenced by other factors such as investment, and that there is no clear price differential between cities with and without green belts.
A 2016 survey indicated that a majority of Londoners supported the construction of very tall skyscrapers without any restrictions.
Answer: False
Explanation: A 2016 Ipsos Mori survey indicated that a majority of Londoners supported restrictions on the construction of very tall skyscrapers, with six out of ten respondents favoring limits on height and floor count.
The Adam Smith Institute argued that a significant portion of Metropolitan Green Belt land near train stations was suitable for:
Answer: Accommodating approximately one million homes.
Explanation: The Adam Smith Institute argued that approximately 20,000 hectares of Metropolitan Green Belt land near train stations could accommodate around one million homes, criticizing the underutilization of such land.
According to the RTPI's findings, what was a potential negative consequence of building on the proposed Green Belt land?
Answer: A substantial increase in car journeys on congested roads.
Explanation: The Royal Town Planning Institute's findings suggested that developing proposed Green Belt land could lead to a substantial increase in car journeys on already congested roads around London, potentially exacerbating traffic issues.
What is the CPRE's view on the link between green belts and house prices?
Answer: They argue there is no clear price difference between cities with and without green belts.
Explanation: The CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) argues that green belts are not the primary cause of high house prices, contending that price inflation is influenced by other factors such as investment, and that there is no clear price differential between cities with and without green belts.
The London Society's 2014 report titled 'Green Sprawl' primarily served to:
Answer: Question the effectiveness or implications of the city's green belt.
Explanation: The London Society's 2014 report, 'Green Sprawl,' aimed to stimulate debate and question the effectiveness or implications of the city's green belt policy.
How has the purpose of the Green Belt evolved or been debated over time?
Answer: Debates now involve balancing preservation with housing needs and land prices.
Explanation: While initially focused on preventing sprawl, debates surrounding the Green Belt's purpose now involve balancing its preservation goals with contemporary needs such as housing development, its impact on land prices, and its role in environmental quality.