Considering urban green space and informal backyard rentals in South Africa: Disproving the compensation hypothesis

Considering urban green space and informal backyard rentals in South Africa: Disproving the compensation hypothesis

This research reflects on planning for urban green space and the related impact of informal backyard rental densification in South Africa, based on the ‘compensation hypothesis’. Informal backyard dwellings may increase densities substantially, occupying private green space, but often without recipr...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Louis Lategan, Juanee Cilliers
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of the Free State 2016-12-01
Series:Town and Regional Planning
Subjects:
based on the ‘compensation hypothesis’. Informal backyard dwellings may increase densities substantially
occupying private green space
but often without reciprocal increases in public urban green space area. According to the compensation hypothesis
residents with limited access to private green space are more likely to seek compensation elsewhere. This research employs qualitative and quantitative analyses to investigate access to
and use of green spaces in the Bridgton and Bongolethu townships
Oudtshoorn. Findings disprove the compensation hypothesis
showing that proximate public green spaces are used sporadically
not correlating to increased densities. The number of backyard dwellings does not result in compensation behaviour
but an increased number of backyard tenants affect perceptions of green space availability and privacy. Although the compensation hypothesis is disproved in this case
findings probe the need to reconsider urban green space planning within low-cost areas
particularly considering densification impacts
linked to quality of life. As such
accessibility to public green spaces
as well as their function and form should be questioned as part of broader spatial planning approaches.
Compensation hypothesis
ecosystem services
informal backyard rentals
urban green space
Online Access:http://journals.ufs.ac.za/index.php/trp/article/view/588

Internet

http://journals.ufs.ac.za/index.php/trp/article/view/588

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