Urban “Blandscapes”: How the Practical Implementation of Planning Policy Reduces Land Use Diversity

ABSTRACT Policies to increase density and diversity in Australian cities have been introduced to remedy the issues caused by the separation and homogenisation of land uses characterising urban development in the post-war period. Generally, the practical implementation of such policies is through rezoning. Here, we analyse zoning and land use data of 10,519 parcels in Brisbane to demonstrate that, despite policy aimed at land use diversification, practice results in large swathes of homogenous uses. Our research highlights how zoning can maintain its current aim of land use separation while mitigating the emergence of “blandscapes” by protecting and enhancing land use diversity.