8.2.11 (HL)—Ecological planning principles

Compactness limits outward land take, mixed land use shortens access distances, and social mix aims to reduce segregation—but all three need inclusive design to deliver equity.

Compact, mixed neighbourhoods can reduce car travel and energy use; social mix can widen access to services. Check affordability, transport and green-space access because density without them can intensify exclusion.

A walkable mixed district cuts car trips, but if rents rise and lower-income residents leave, the environmental gain has not delivered social mix.

Check who can afford housing and reach green spaces, schools, jobs and transport—not density alone.

Compact is not automatically fair; environmental justice is an access question.