Preface         This study addresses the issue of increasing the density of family housing. It considers two distinct contexts; existing suburbs and new settlements. The study argues that raised density, reduced car dependancy and suburban viability can be achieved whilst retaining key qualities of the suburban environment, the family house and garden in a green setting. The medium of the study is spatial and, in a fundamental sense, architectural, setting out to explore the interdependence of house design at the smaller scale and land use planning at the larger scale. It proposes a methodology for assessing residential land capacity which may also offer a way of involving local communities in decisions about developments.   This study is intended to address : Local Government Planning Authorities Developers Architects Highway Engineers Amenity Groups The Public     Key Message Traditional family housing in a green setting can be planned at higher densities. Higher densities: • Reduce distances and create walkable communities • Reduce car dependency • Increase the viability of public transport • Enhance the social capital of the community • Improve the environment for childrens’ development • Improve the viability of suburbs and their future prosperity • Conserve the rural environment