South Gloucestershire has a rich natural and cultural heritage. It is a mixed urban and rural authority of great diversity located in the South West of England which covers 53,665 hectares. It is an area of diversity and contrast with a variety of communities, characterised by the special relationship between town and country. Residents are fortunate to have a high quality local environment which they greatly value. Attractive and historic landscapes link unspoilt market towns, villages and established rural and urban communities with major new residential areas, industrial and commercial developments.