The value of place: Exploring regional development and land use strategies

This perceptive book explores the complex relationship between land use and regional development. It emphasises the importance of land as a host for ecological, social and cultural values, challenging the conventional view that it is exclusively an economic commodity or tradable asset. Leading experts examine the growing dominance of market value in land allocation, demonstrating how this limits access to affordable homes and threatens sustainable development due to economic and social pressures. They investigate the role of land in regional policies, illustrating how the traditional neoliberal approach has been unsuccessful in addressing inequality and providing essential services. The book reflects on sustainability, analysing detailed case studies such as tourism policy in Southern Italy and the relationship between rent, agglomeration and the economy in London. It concludes by outlining alternative governance models, advocating for the adoption of commoning (collective use of land and resources) to enable equitable and inclusive land management. The Value of Place is a vital resource for students and scholars of human and economic geography, urban and regional studies and socio-economic development. Policymakers and practitioners in planning, sustainable tourism and land policy will also benefit from this forward-thinking book.