Planning and artificialization of soils in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (1990‑2007): conformity and transgression of municipal decision

Abstract

Over the last years, the conversion of agricultural and natural land in periurban areas has become a prominent topic for territorial policies. This paper analyses the role of Municipal Master Plans in the evolution of land use between 1990 and 2007 in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. It is based on a conformity analysis of the actual evolution compared with the initial plans. Results show that: i) there were more land use conversions than previously planned; ii) the geographical distribution of conformance degree is clearly related to the existing urban pressure; iii) nationwide preservation regime has not hampered transgression.