Session 1 - Montefiore

also clearly demonstrate city sprawls, the extent
to which effective planning strategies control
development and how they are applied influence
the degree of urban sprawl. Where unplanned,
decentralised development dominates, sprawl
will occur. Conversely, where growth around the
periphery of the city is coordinated by strong urban
policy perspectives, more compact forms of urban
development will be secured.
Box 2 Luxembourg: new urban traditions, high income and immigration
The drivers of urban sprawl
The next chapter reviews the multiple, severe and
interconnected impacts of urban sprawl in order to
fully understand the impacts of sprawl and why it is
important for cities not to sprawl. The full range of
impacts of sprawl are considered including impacts
in respect of environmental resources, natural and
protected areas, rural environments, the quality
of urban life and health, as well as socio-economic
impacts.
The expansion of urban areas is the most important land use change in Luxembourg. These changes are
mainly concentrated around the existing urban centres of the city of Luxembourg and the old industrial
southwest. In both cases the main contributor to this trend is the development of new service industries
including financial and EU institutions. The pressure for new residential growth reflects efforts made to
attract new inhabitants from the countries bordering Luxembourg and the influx of a growing working
population with their families. It also reflects the high income levels in Luxembourg which makes it possible
for most inhabitants to live in detached houses. Furthermore, short distances and a relatively small
population make commuting a feasible option without excessive congestion.
Map Urban sprawl in Luxembourg driven by socio-economic changes (1990–2000)
50°
0 50
6°
100 Km
Source: EEA.
6°
50°
Urban sprawl
1 to 5 %
5 to 10 %
More than 10 %
Green landscape
70 % of pasture,
forest and natural
land in a 5 km
neighbourhood
Urban sprawl in Europe 21