Chapter 5: Planning Urban Structures for Sustainable Transport

The challenges in urban development differ somewhat with the size of the settlement, but one problem is common to all:

The structure of sprawl and the resulting problems are described in more detail in a Communication from the European Union (EU) Commission:

As a result of these growth patterns, resources such as land and energy, which should be preserved for future generations, are used excessively. Large areas are occupied by the structures of sprawl, and the consumption of limited fossil fuels continues to increase, especially for transport. The environment, which should provide a basis for the life of future generations as well as human health and overall quality of life are impaired by the effects of this excessive use of resources.