Metropolitan area
Spatial development glossary, European Conference of Ministers responsible for Spatial/Regional Planning (CEMAT), Territory and landscape, No 2, published by Council of Europe Publishing in 2007, defines metropolitan area as: ‘…a settlement system consisting of a large city (together with its suburbs) and its adjacent zones of influence, which may comprise various urban centres of different sizes. These adjacent zones are generally the so-called commuter belt. Interstitial open spaces also form part of the metropolitan area.’
It defines a metropolitan region as: ‘…a region (in the administrative or geographical sense) dominated by an important metropolitan area. In spatial terms, its extension is therefore wider than that of the metropolitan area, but in some interpretations the two concepts of metropolitan area and metropolitan region have similar meanings.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.
The Master Builder: William Butterfield and his times. Book review.