ABSTRACT
This chapter details the planning of resettlement sites, infrastructure and housing in a way which should maximise the success of physical resettlement, including through the effective participation of affected households and communities and due consideration of their real needs and wants. It provides practical assistance in planning for physical resettlement. Physical resettlement is one of the major impacts of land access projects on individuals, households and communities as a whole. The issue of physical resettlement therefore requires sensitive planning that goes way beyond physical planning and design considerations. Resettlement options should avoid breaking up communities, because the maintenance of the social networks linking members of the affected communities may be critical to the successful adaptation of those communities to their new circumstances. On a project in Eastern Europe, key aspects of resettlement site and housing design were agreed with community leaders in an informal setting, without formal agreements or consultation with all affected households.
