ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the combined impact of the legal framework for gated communities (GC) and their physical characteristics that define them as a particular type of housing development. GCs have an explicit boundary, access by non-residents is restricted, the development is usually managed by the residents, and there are legal constraints on residents' behaviour and use of their properties. This chapter discusses whether GCs may exemplify the replacement of traditional community and neighbourhood functions with legal networks, norms and sanctions. It presents an overview of the development of GCs, and their growth and appeal in England; social and legal networks, norms and sanctions. The chapter considers the impact that GCs have on the residents of the wider community and on those within the confines of the walls. With a focus on legal relations, it has explored GC residents' sense of community and neighbourliness, as well as their participation in the management of the development.
