The garden city movement is a method of urban planning in which self-contained communities are surrounded by "greenbelts", containing proportionate areas of residences, industry, and agriculture. The idea was initiated in 1898 by Sir Ebenezer Howard in the United Kingdom.Garden Cities were founded on a series of principles developed by Ebenezer Howard which remain relevant today:

Strong vision, leadership and community engagementLand value capture for the benefit of the communityCommunity ownership of land and long-term stewardship of assetsMixed-tenure homes and housing types that are affordable for ordinary peopleBeautifully and imaginatively designed homes with gardens in healthy communitiesA strong local jobs offer in the Garden City itself and within easy commuting distanceOpportunities for residents to grow their own food, including allotmentsGenerous green space, including: surrounding belt of countryside to prevent unplanned sprawl; well connected and biodiversity-rich public parks; high quality gardens; tree-lined streets; and open spacesStrong cultural, recreational and shopping facilities in walkable neighbourhoodsIntegrated and accessible transport systems