Policies for optimizing land-use layouts in highly urbanized areas: An analysis framework based on construction land clearance

Cities in the later stages of urbanization often experience shortages in urban space resources. The appropriate use of land stock is important for increasing space resources and achieving spatial optimization. This paper presents an exploration of theoretical and empirical case for clearing urban land stock in response to policies on con-struction land reduction. First, the root causes of land clearance in highly urbanized areas were identified, alongside the impacts of land clearance on the structure and pattern of urban spaces. Furthermore, the lack of an interest coordination mechanism was identified to be an obstacle to land clearance. Accordingly, construction land clearance was proposed as a new model for reducing construction land. An analytical framework of three components was also constructed for this purpose (theoretical hypotheses, operational mechanism, and imple-mentation path). Construction land clearance refers to the conversion of current construction land into ecological land; this concept is strongly ecosystem-oriented and has distinctive Chinese characteristics. The applicability and effectiveness of this policy framework were evaluated by analyzing the status quo of construction land clearance in Shenzhen. Finally, the differences between the policy targets and policy support of different cities were addressed, along with proposing the construction of a more robust interest-balancing mechanism and maintaining the legitimacy of policy implementation. The proposed model for construction land clearance has implications for the treatment and spatial optimization of urban land stock during the later stages of urbanization and may serve as a reference for promoting sustainable urban development.