Discuss the evidence base to explain why rural locations are sometimes perceived as undesirable (15 marks)
Cornwall
Why is it desirable?
Superfast broadband - by 2015 92% of Cornish people and businesses were connected - well above London's average
Coastal scenery - 700 km of coastline
Local food and drink
Some people enjoy the isolation
Why is it Undesirable?
Isolated form the UK - no motorways and Cornwalls only airport at Newquay has fe lights outside the summer tourist season
Lack of commuting opportunities - only a few have easy access to higher salaries and urban lifestyles
the climate - frequent storms and high winter rainfall
Limited social opportunities
limited range of services - village shops under threat - shopping online is helping
High transport costs - high car fuel consumption
Tourism - areas like Newquay have poor reputation as drunk stag and hen nights damage towns reputation
Access to health care
Poor in rural areas - West Cornwall's population is elderly and in recent health surveys it was ranked on of the UK's most deprived areas
Access to transport for serious medical appointments is difficult - Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro provides wide ranging treatments but living in Penzance it is a 26 mile journey
Roseland Parc retirement village - solution
New type of rural enclave consisting of one - and two bedroom flats which are 'sheltered' and have a warden - has facilities such as a restaurant and their are nurse available
Disadvantage = cost = £200 000 + care provisions coast = £4000 per person per month