Institution: Queen’s University Belfast
NINE DTP Pathway: Environmental Planning
Email address: [email protected]
My PhD research focuses on investigating the impacts of one-off housing developments in rural Northern Ireland, using machine learning techniques to assess their environmental, social, and economic effects. By analyzing rural housing patterns from 1952 to 2023, my work aims to address the gap in comprehensive longitudinal data in land use planning, particularly for dispersed rural settlements. I employ advanced machine learning/deep learning algorithms and integrate spatial data from historical maps, orthophotography, and environmental indicators to model development trends and evaluate their cumulative impact on rural landscapes. This research highlights critical environmental challenges, including habitat fragmentation, water quality degradation, and land use change. I propose an innovative approach to spatial planning that offers actionable insights for policymakers, helping to improve rural development strategies, promote sustainable land use practices, and mitigate the environmental consequences of one-off housing. Ultimately, my findings aim to inform future rural development policies in Northern Ireland, with potential for application in other regions facing similar challenges.
