4.1 Findings

Popula�on of place has an enormous impact on safety, both posi�ve and nega�ve. The slight decrease in popula�on between 2001 and 2011 did not follow the overall trend within the UK (Brinkoff, 2022, & Office for Na�onal Sta�s�cs, 2011). Although, the decrease was small, 145 people, this would have had an effect on the overall perceived impact on the increase in popula�on (1181) between 2011 and 2021.

Previous studies evalua�ng the rela�onship between popula�on and happiness have had differing outcomes. Theore�cally, the higher popula�on of Bordon and Whitehill in 2021, see figure 10, would cause busier streets and therefore crea�ng a sense of safety (Jacobs, 1961). Although, this increase is also likely to have a nega�ve impact on crime and traffic in the area; all linked with a nega�ve effect on safety (Pfeiffer & Clou�er, 2016; Moura�dis, 2019 & Gehl, 2010), and therefore happiness.

So, from this sta�s�c alone the effect on happiness can not be understood; to gain this understanding other components (figure 3) need to be considered.

Overall, has the regenera�on made you feel safer?

Note : By, Author (2022)

The overall perceived safety in Whitehill and Bordon is differing, with 46% of par�cipants sta�ng no change felt. This neutral response is contradicted by some par�cipants; 34% either sta�ng a ‘slightly’ or ‘much more’ feeling of safety due to the regenera�on (urbanisa�on). The mixed response is as a result of the differing percep�on of the effect the increased popula�on has had. Safety is a key component in happiness, o�en facilita�ng other improvements. As an overriding majority have stated, there has not been a large decrease is overall safety and in some cases people actually feel safer; even with the nega�ve impact on crime and vehicle usage that will come with an increased popula�on

Do you feel more safe within the regenerated areas or in the older areas of the town?

Note : By, Author (2022)

To support the mostly posi�ve feeling response to ques�on 5, a posi�ve view of the regenera�on is also shown in ques�on 3. 44% of par�cipants have stated they feel safer in the regenerated areas compared to the older spaces. Many aspects, both social and environmental, could be affec�ng this response. In most cases it seems that the regenera�on is having either a posi�ve or no impact on overall percep�on of safety, which ul�mately is the goal of the urbanisa�on process; to increase popula�on in the area without having a nega�ve impact on those already living there. A key social aspect that cannot be overlooked in this analysis is the impact of the covid-19 pandemic and the desire for more open space in communal areas. With the pandemic s�ll fresh in the communi�es mind the pre pandemic designs may feel more condensed and unsafe. Whilst the new areas, most of which designed / adapted in a post pandemic era will have this issue considered. With the 16% that responded sta�ng they feel safer in the ‘older areas’ the familiarity of place is likely to be the cause of this feeling. Perhaps these people feel a closer connec�on with the ‘older spaces’ and therefore feel safer, an issue that will naturally dissolve over �me.

Have you no�ced an increase in motor vehicles within the area in the last 5 years?

Note : By, Author (2022)

An aspect with a much clearer response is the perceived amount of vehicular usage in the area. 92% of the respondents stated they have seen an increase in ‘motor vehicles within the area in the last 5 years’ (the start of the regenera�on). The increase in popula�on, figure 10, has increased vehicle usage in the area; the perceived is reinforced by experienced. Gehl, 2010, stated the nega�ve impact cars have on perceived safety, these results counter this. Although, most people have no�ced an increase in motor vehicles, the data previously analysed suggests that this does not have an impact on perceived safety.

Do you feel there has been an increase in any of these crimes in the last 5 years (please select all)?

Note : By, Author (2022)

The impact of vehicular movement is again not as prominent in percep�on of crime sta�s�cs, with just 28% of people feeling an increase in traffic collisions in the area, further showing the li�le impact that vehicles have on perceived safety.

Crime rates are o�en considered in regards to both happiness and safety in combina�on. 92% of respondents saw an increase in at least one type of crime. With an increase in An�-social behaviour the most prominent (84%). Presen�ng that these incidents do not have a large impact on overall percep�on of safety for the majority. This increase will most likely be closely linked to the increase in overall popula�on but again other societal factors and an increase in social media usage will allow for crime issues to be more prominent within the community. Bordon and Whitehill was previously a safe space to live (UK Crime Stats, 2022), which presents why a slight increase in crime has not affected perceived safety, but is an issue that cannot con�nue to grow, if we are to create a happy society.

Total Crime

Contradic�ng the percep�on, the actual crime within the area has not seen a dras�c change over recent years. With the regenera�on not star�ng un�l 2015, the increase presented in 2016 will not have been in direct correla�on with the start of the urbanisa�on process. Even with the increased popula�on men�oned (Brinkoff, 2022), the overall trend for increase in crime is less dras�c. A�er the peak in 2016 there was a gradual decrease un�l 2019; where it reached a lower level than that in 2015 (UK Crime Stats, 2022). It is expected that the covid-19 pandemic and subsequen�al lockdowns have increased crime rates in the two years that follow the low in 2019, as with much of the UK.

This data presents that in terms of crime rates, it is clear that the overall percep�on has less of an impact on perceived safety than experienced crime does. With a posi�ve response to overall safety shown previously the minimal change in actual reported crime follows a similar trend. Showing that even with the percep�on of crimes increasing overall safety is not impacted.

The different aspect that make up the concept of safety all affect each other and the responses to one ques�on have impacted others. 22 of the 23 of par�cipants that felt ‘no change’ in overall safety also felt there was an increase in at least one type of crime. These two outcomes contradict each other, but in terms of importance the overall perceived safety is more cri�cal to this study than the percep�on of crime increase. Another contradic�ng result is that all par�cipants that felt ‘much safer’ also saw an increase in some crime levels and also vehicular use in the area. Interes�ngly, these same people also feel safer in regenerated areas; indica�ng that the safety in these new spaces is more important to overall perceived safety. The importance of the concepts raised by Jacobs, 1961, are also clear; an increase in popula�on is irradica�ng the nega�ve impact of more vehicles and the percep�on of more crime. When considering the affect that safety has on happiness, overall safety must be the biggest factor contemplated, whilst considering the different factors that contribute to this feeling.

Overall, have you felt more ac�ve since the start of the regenera�on?

Note : By, Author (2022)

Reviewed literature states the importance of being ac�ve both for physical and mental health. The response to overall ac�veness in the area suggests a failure in a key purpose of the ‘Healthy New Towns’ ini�a�ve (NHS England, 2015). With 62% of respondents sta�ng they do not feel more ac�ve, it is important to understand the different characteris�cs that encourage ac�vity. To then establish and therefore understand why the community do not feel more ac�ve.

Figure 17:

Perceived : Question 7

Do the new developments make you feel more inclined to walk / cycle / run within the area?

Note : By, Author (2022)

With over 50% of par�cipants feeling that the new developments will increase the walkability, the nega�ve response to ques�on 10 (previously men�oned) may be a reflec�on of the incomple�on of the urbanisa�on process. Therefore, this overall inclina�on to be ac�ve should in turn improve ac�vity over �me; this lifestyle change will not be instant. This inclina�on to be ac�ve could be due to the aesthe�c of place (figure 4). The concept of aesthe�c is something that cannot be measured but is influenced by other measurable factors. An increase in quality green space and infrastructure will have an impact on overall percep�on of aesthe�c and therefore inclina�on to be ac�ve, something that has been achieved in the area. These results indicate that some people feel the benefits of increased ac�vity now whilst other will feel it in the future.

Figure 18:

Perceived : Question 6

Have you no�ced any inter ven�ons to increase walking / cycling?

Note : By, Author (2022)

Although, it is difficult to measure overall ac�veness within a place, aspects that cause this ac�ve lifestyle can be measured, in terms of both actual and perceived. Interven�ons that help to encourage walking and cycling are o�en regarded as the most effec�ve way of improving ac�veness. In contradic�on to this, the majority of respondents (60%) stated they have no�ced these interven�ons, but many do not feel more ac�ve, which will not posi�vely impact happiness.

Figure 19:

Perceived : Question 8

Have you no�ced an increase in path width in the area?

Note : By, Author (2022)

As common in many towns and ci�es in the UK the narrow paths are not suitable for large amounts of people / cyclists. A star�ng point for increasing ac�vity is by allowing safer ac�ve travel in the area; one way this is achieved is through increasing path widths. As with ques�on 6 (figure 18) the community is no�cing the a�empt to allow for a more ac�ve lifestyle, 62% no�cing increased path widths. But are not feeling the benefits, figure 16. This in turn means neither a posi�ve nor nega�ve impact on happiness will be experienced, ac�ve travel has not yet changed.

To support the perceived; the development maps presents the actual developments of paths in the area. As would be expected the majority of the community have no�ced the increase in path width in the area, perhaps because of disrup�on caused in the construc�on phase. Widening paths will allow for distance to be placed between the user and the road, increasing perceived safety (Montgomery, 2013), giving a further understanding as to why the increase in vehicular movement has not had a large impact on safety (part 4.1).

21: Perceived : Question 9

Will the new loca�on of the main town centre (Budds Lane) make you more or less likely to visit on foot?

I would not walk / cycle to either I would walk / cycle to both old and new Less likely More likely

Note : By, Author (2022)

One incomplete aspect of the regenera�on is the town centre. It is clear once complete the new loca�on will have a posi�ve effect on the ac�vity in the area, with 72% of respondents saying they will visit the new town centre on foot. Out of these 36 people, 32 of them stated they are ‘more likely’ to use ac�ve travel than they currently are to the previous town centre. Being incomplete this development will not have an increase in perceived or experienced ac�veness yet, although can s�ll be considered in terms of overall happiness, as the development being in progress will s�ll impact percep�on.

Note : By, Author (2022)

Note : By, Author (2022)

The overall increased likelihood is as a result of the interven�ons previously men�oned and the centralized posi�oning of the new infrastructure. Aesthe�cs of the area, increased path widths and overall quicker access to the town centre will increase overall ac�veness and therefore happiness in the area. As shown in figures 22 and 23 , the new town centre will allow quicker access to more households; especially with the majority of future developments occurring in the North and North West areas of the town. The new loca�on will also encourage movement into / through green zones; further benefits considered in part 4.3.

The results established in this sec�on present an overall posi�ve view on the full urbanisa�on process in the area, in terms of ac�veness. As shown in ques�ons 6 and 8 (figures 18 and 19), the community are no�cing the different interven�ons in place to support ac�ve movement although, considering the results from ques�ons 10 and 7 (figures 16 and 17) the impact is not yet being achieved. This acknowledgement along with the improved loca�on of the town centre will create a more ac�ve society. As established previously this improved ac�ve travel will have posi�ve impacts on brain func�on (SoP, 2017 & Fox et al., 2000) and therefore happiness. Although as of now the posi�ve impact has not been felt, it is clear the urban process has not nega�vely impacted ac�vity, so will not reduce happiness.

Do you feel there has been an increase or decrease of 'green' space because of the regenera�on?

Note : By, Author (2022)

The need for access to green space is an innate requirement (Wilson, 1984). One key component that influences the posi�ve effect of green space on our wellbeing is the amount of it. Being a previous rural area one of Bordon and Whitehill’s main features is the presence of natural spaces and vast wildlife. One key factor o�en linked to the nega�ve impact of an urban environment is the removal of human from nature (Luo & Jiang, 2022). The response to ques�on 11 (figure 14) presents the perceived view that the regenera�on has removed green space in the area; 68% of respondents sta�ng a decrease. This result indicates worrying figures with the importance of green space clear in many theories. Although, the importance is clear it is also suggested that a lot of the benefits arise from a sub-conscious mind; we do not realise the benefits that are occurring. This sub-conscious theory indicates the importance of experienced green space rather than perceived; making this outcomes less cri�cal to overall happiness.

This map (figure 25) showing the green infrastructure before the start of the regenera�on shows the vast natural area in Bordon and Whitehill. Although, the large amount of green space is clear the majority of it is on the outskirts of the town, with parts expanding between infrastructure. This historic map in combina�on with the planned green infrastructure map (figure 26) will give an understanding if the percep�on of removal of green space is accurate with the actual development.

Figure 26 shows the area of focus for the urbanisa�on process. It is clear that large areas of green space have not been impacted (the main areas affected highlighted). There is a clear percep�on that green space has decreased but this idea is less obvious from a planners scale; presen�ng the importance of designing at both a birds eye and ground level. The main zone, where green space was present, that has since transformed into a more built development is an area spli�ng the northern side of the town to the southern; previously allowing access to green space from both sides. Having this centralised area would have given the percep�on of more green space; with easy constant access. This idea also allows for the other responses to ques�on 11 (figure 24), with people living further from this central point perhaps not no�cing this transforma�on as prominently. As expected with all urbanisa�on processes green space will be removed to allow for an increasing popula�on, other aspects (access and quality) will help counteract the nega�ve impacts felt.

Figure 27: Perceived : Question 12

Do you feel the QUALITY of green spaces in the area has increased?

Note : By, Author (2022)

One way the reduc�on in green space can be counteracted is with an increase in quality. Previous researchers explain biodiversity as playing the main role in achieving high quality green space. Although, the urbanisa�on has reduced the quality of the available green space; in terms of percep�on (ques�on 12). When considering the actual infrastructure in place it is clear the improvement of biodiversity has been considered (figure 28). Hogmoor inclosure is the largest useable green space in the area and has been the focus for large amounts of green development. The “54 hectares of strategic woodland and heathland” (Prince Philip Park, 2017), integrates human life into an otherwise completely natural space. With the focus being on community engagement the integra�on of wildlife is clear. Infrastructure to encourage biodiversity is present throughout the design; bug hotel, bat bunker and bird hide highlighted. A completely natural space with no human interven�ons will always be be�er for a biodiverse area but then we will not feel the benefits that these areas create. The removal of the centralised natural space, and the interference with previously completely natural areas are the main components that have created this nega�ve percep�on of quality. Although, with other aspects such as addi�onal walkable paths (part 4.2) and a higher car usage (part 4.1) all likely to have had a nega�ve impact on wildlife they will have also increased the accessibility of the s�ll available natural areas.

Figure 29: Perceived : Question 13

Do you feel you have be�er ACCESS to green space?

Note : By, Author (2022)

As men�oned, to counteract the slight reduc�on in green space their needs to be be�er access. These results (figure 29) do indicate this has been achieved in some cases. 54% stated either an increase in green space or ‘unsure’ presen�ng that a decrease has certainly not been felt by these par�cipants. Access to green space is a component that needs to increase, to improve overall wellbeing, with an urban development. Although, a mixed response here has been given it is likely that some community members not feeling an increase in access to good quality green space will have an overall nega�ve effect on happiness. Percep�on of access is ul�mately determined by experienced access; the current main interven�on to improve access is the ‘green loop’ (figure 30). This passage creates a constant link to the main green spaces by looping around the edge of the urban zone, and in turn should improve the posi�ve impact of this green area by helping to ‘escape the urban’ (Roe and McCay, 2021 & Channon, 2018). But, as men�oned in part 4.2, it is clear that all the community are not yet interac�ng with these interven�ons in the required way.

With these results in mind the green interven�ons have been designed at a planners level when in order to create a posi�ve and healthy zone the eye level needs to be considered more. Other societal factors may be playing a role in these results but for an overall improvement in happiness the access and quality of green space needs to be felt by the majority. The plan for a “4.5 hectare linear park” that “will form the spine” of the area (Prince Philip Park, 2017) is likely to improve these aspects but the importance of mental health throughout the whole process should not be understated.