Challenges to planning for rural character: A case study from exurban southern New England

Exurban New England, as elsewhere in the US, faces low-density sprawl and loss of rural character. Scholars have argued for the importance of landscape perceptions, particularly to conservation development. Yet many rural communities have not pursued such alternatives. This study uses mixed methods and the case study of Stafford, Connecticut to ask: How is rural character perceived and planned for in exurban New England, and what challenges confront such planning? Modeling best practices in planning for rural character, we map patterns of urban change, employ focus group meetings to assess perceptions of rural character and compatible development, and interview stakeholders about planning alternatives. Results highlight the difficulties in defining rural character, the factors shaping diverging perceptions, and the challenges facing alternative planning techniques. Our results suggest how planning for rural character can help engage stakeholders, one land-use conversation at a time.

► We explore how rural character is perceived and planned for in exurban New England.
► We conducted GIS mapping of development, focus group meetings on landscape preferences, and stakeholder interviews.
► Exurban residents valued rural character and are concerned about development change.
► Participants defined rural character and compatible development differently, reflecting their positionality.
► Combining mapping, aerial imagery, and landscape photos helped stakeholders perceive and articulate landscape preferences.