A settlement pattern means the shape of a settlement. The shape of early settlements was usually influenced by the surrounding landcape:
Originally, people built their homes together for: companionship, safety and to share services. Over a long period of time, many villages grow as more people want to live in them. This creates a distinct shape or pattern of land use:
Recently, large out-of-town shopping centres have been built on the edges of settlements because: the land is cheap to buy, there is plenty of space for car parks and it is near to their customers living in the suburbs.
Large towns and cities may be surrounded by an area of countryside called a green belt where no new building is allowed. This gives people space to walk and play in and protects the local wildlife.
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