Lecture 32: Evolution and Growth of Planning Legislation I

This paragraph provides an overview of the public health reforms and key legislation that took place in the 1800s in the UK. It mentions the poor living conditions at the time, including overcrowding, shared water pumps and toilets, open sewers, and frequent disease outbreaks. It also notes that the government did not interfere at the time (laissez-faire system). Key dates and developments are highlighted, including Edwin Chadwick's 1842 sanitation report, the 1848 Public Health Act which set up local boards of health, and Dr. John Snow's 1854 cholera investigation.

This paragraph provides more details on Edwin Chadwick's 1842 sanitation report and recommendations, which were initially opposed by MPs (the "dirty party"). It took the 1848 cholera epidemic for the government to change its mind and pass the 1848 Public Health Act, which provided a framework for local authorities to improve sanitation. However, the Act was not compulsory and had limited uptake and powers before being abolished in 1854.

This paragraph discusses Dr. Jon Snow's 1854 cholera investigation, which linked contaminated water to cholera outbreaks through mapping. At the same time, the 1858 Great Stink in London highlighted the need for sewer system improvements. These events eventually convinced authorities that Chadwick and Snow had been right about the need for sanitation reforms.

This paragraph covers the housing reforms that took place from the mid-1870s onwards to improve conditions for the working classes, including the Artisans and Labourers Dwelling Improvement Act of 1875. It gave local authorities powers to redevelop slum areas and build rental housing. Subsequent Cross Acts in 1875 and 1879 also focused on housing.

This paragraph discusses the 1903 start of construction on the Letchworth Garden City model town, which influenced the 1909 Housing and Town Planning Act. This was the first Act to specifically address town planning and gave local authorities powers over development schemes to ensure proper amenities.

This paragraph covers the 1919 Housing and Town Planning Act, which for the first time made it compulsory for local authorities above a certain size to prepare and submit planning schemes. The 1924 Housing Act provided grants to councils for housing projects. The 1930 Housing Act focused on slum clearance and rehousing.

The 1931 Town and Country Planning Act introduced the concept of rural planning for the first time. It aimed to balance urban development and preserve rural amenities. This shows a shift from only looking at crowded urban areas to considering urban-rural linkages in planning.

With rapid urbanization in the 1930s, the 1937 Barlow Commission was formed to analyze issues arising from concentration of industry in large towns, including overcrowding, slums, traffic issues, and burden on local authorities. It recommended decentralization and restrictions on city growth.

Formed during WWII, the 1941 Uthwatt Committee made recommendations regarding compensation for compulsory land acquisition. It said rights of land ownership did not preclude duties to community, but restrictions beyond that obligated authorities to pay compensation to land owners.

This paragraph examines the landmark 1947 Town and Country Planning Act, which increased development controls through a system of flexible development plans. It also simplified planning administration, introduced rights to change land use, reformed compensation, and initiated regional planning.