Table 3 Measures, objectives, and problems of urban expansion regulation in different countries.

London, UK

Announcement of banning the construction of civil engineering.

1580

To limit urban expansion and protect agricultural and forest land (Kirby and Scott, 2023; Kirby et al., 2024).

When the “green belt” conflicted with urban construction and economic development, the “green belt” policy often retreated, making the “green belt” constantly move outward. The decrease in land supply led to increased land prices, and high-density construction worsened the environmental quality. London’s green belt fails to achieve a compact city (Amati and Yokohari, 2007; Smith, 2025).

The concept of “green belt” was first formally put forward.

1935

Seoul, South Korean

The “green belt” was introduced.

1971

To stop the trend of urban expansion (Li et al., 2018b).

The measures taken went against the will of market development, underestimated the economic growth potential and the population’s interest in the capital region, and failed to reserve reasonable urban built-up areas. Transportation costs increased (Jun and Hur, 2001).

“Capital Regional Plan” was announced.

1984

“New Town Planning” was announced.

1989

Maryland, USA

Five legislative proposals were passed, including the “Smart Growth Area Act”.

1997

To solve the problems caused by urban expansion through redistributing existing funds(Haeuber, 1999; Hanlon et al., 2012).

This measure paid too much attention to local autonomy, and there was no uniform standard for clearly delineating priority funding areas. Government funding was used to develop priority areas with fewer restrictions, thus objectively encouraging expansionary development(Sohn and Knaap, 2010; Ali, 2014).