Interdependence with Rural Areas
- London and the surrounding rural areas are interdependent
- They rely upon each other for goods, services and labour
Goods
- London depends on rural areas for the supply of food
- People living in rural areas visit London for a greater selection of shops
Services
- People from London use rural areas for leisure
- London has a wider range of hospitals and specialist services which are used by those from rural areas
Labour
- Many people travel to London every day for work from the surrounding rural areas
- People in their 20s move to London for work
Economic, Social and Environmental Costs and Benefits
| Costs | Benefits | |
| Social | Villages become dormitory settlements with no-one there in the day: shops may close due to lack of custom Increase in house prices due to demand |
Increase in population sustains services such as schools and health centres London provides jobs Rural areas provide additional housing for workers |
| Economic | Commuters use shops in London rather than local shops and businesses reducing their income | Farmers gain income from selling land or buildings for conversion People with higher incomes boost the economy London does not have enough workers and needs employees from the rural areas |
| Environmental | New housing built on Greenfield sites destroying habitats Increased traffic leads to air pollution and congestion Increased retail parks and industry build on Greenfield areas Overcrowding of recreation areas |
