The idea of a Garden village is based on an English concept known as ‘Garden Cities’ pioneered by Ebenezer Howard back in 1898. Howard was an urban planner who envisioned residential areas surrounded by a permanent belt of agricultural land. Places where residents could enjoy the benefits of both town (opportunity, amusement and employment) and country (beauty and fresh air). The towns were largely independent and managed and financed by the citizens who had an economic interest in them. This form of urban development focused upon, what he believed, were the fundamental building blocks of a healthy society -– environment, lifestyle, security, shared values and community spirit.