Residential colonies are business ventures in the investment of land. Several developmental authorities and societies in the cities and towns are engaged in planning new areas. This is a specialized job which is carried out with the active support of town planners, developers, engineers, architects and horticulturists.
Here, the land is subdivided into smaller areas known as lots, with provision for easy access by streets and installation of public utilities such as sewers, water, gas, electricity and other conveniences.
These are improved by providing streets and sidewalks, sanitation, installation of public utilities such as water, electricity, gas, telephone , street lighting, signs etc. and the planting of wayside and other trees, development of public areas such as playgrounds and parks.
While laying out such residential areas, the type of beauty and attractiveness to be produced is the one of the important decision to be made.
If there exist considerable natural beauty by way of rolling topography and trees, they should be preserved by using winding streets and large plots of sufficient size to build the houses without spoiling the natural contours by grading.
Streams, lakes, ponds if they exist naturally, should also be preserved as they will increase the value of property.
Planner should try to provide a better environment and sufficient open places for the residents.
Streets may be laid out to follow the natural slope of the ground and thus fit in with the natural landscape which will involve the least amount of grading.
If the area is located at considerable distance from a town or city, provision must be made for location of various public buildings such as schools, colleges, temples, churches, a small community centre, etc.
Planting of trees in the streets, laying out of parks, playgrounds and establishing green belts will enhance the environmental quality of the area.
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