Settlement Change

Defining Settlement Change

Settlement change refers to the progress, alteration or transition of human settlements over time due to factors such as population growth or decline, technological advancements, economic forces, social movements, and environmental changes.

Natural population increase or decrease - Births and deaths within a settlement can cause changes either through population growth or decline.
Immigration and emigration - People moving into (immigration) or out of (emigration) a settlement can significantly impact the demographic, social, and economic structure.
Economic change - Positive economic changes can lead to the growth and expansion of a settlement, while negative changes can lead to decline, depopulation, and abandonment.
Political influences - Policies and actions of government can drive settlement change. For instance, zoning laws can control the type and scale of developments in a settlement.
Environmental factors - Settlements might change in response to environmental challenges such as natural disasters, climate change, or depletion of natural resources.

The Central Place Theory proposed by Walter Christaller suggests that the size, number, and distribution of settlements are determined by the threshold population and range of a good or service.
The Rural-Urban Fringe Theory suggests that as urban areas grow and expand, rural areas on the edge of the city face significant changes.

In the process of urbanisation, rural areas decrease as more people move to cities resulting in an expansion of urban areas. This can lead to changes in employment patterns, lifestyle, and demands on services and infrastructure.
Significant settlement change can result in environmental degradation, especially when poorly managed. This includes air and water pollution, deforestation, and loss of wildlife habitats.
Gentrification, the process in which declining inner-city areas are revitalised by wealthier residents, is another outcome of settlement change, leading to changes in a community’s character and demographics.

Town Planning is vital to manage and control settlement change in a sustainable and orderly way. Town Planners use tools such as zoning laws, urban renewal schemes, and environmental impact assessments to manage change.
Community participation in the decision-making process can help ensure that changes in a settlement reflect the needs and desires of the people living there, helping to create inclusive, equitable, and sustainable settlements.
Government policies can also play a pivotal role, providing the legal and institutional framework for managing settlement change.