ABSTRACT
Compact urban development and the containment of suburban expansion are repeatedly proposed as policies for the metropolitan area that might improve the quality of urban life. In Randstad Holland since the 1960s a policy of compact urbanisation, in various forms, has been actively pursued and been successful in avoiding extensive urban sprawl. Urbanization should be developed on specific locations close to the four metropolitan areas Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht. The leading goal for urbanization has become: building with greater dwelling density bordering or within the existing metropolitan areas. Land prices in The Netherlands are determined by acquisition costs of 'green fieldland' for urban development in combination with servicing costs. Almost all land on which urban development take place not only passes through public hands, but its development is also controled by a public agency. The dilemma between 'planning and the market' as far as the development of the Randstad is concerned is slowly getting into a critical stage.
