This research aims to study and understand a complex social system through the development of an individual based hybrid model of the population of Leeds, UK. It attempts to demonstrate the importance of individual based modelling and simulation tools within the scope of demographic planning, as well as in application of a variety of substantive research and planning environments. The model adopts a hybrid modelling approach that combines the strength of two individual based modelling approaches: the first employs a dynamic spatial Micro-Simulation Model (MSM) and the second uses an Agent Based Model (ABM). This framework enables the modelling of a complex social system that is both theoretically and practically challenging. It attempts to provide a fuller picture of the population evolution through the simulation of discrete changes experienced by a large number of individuals within small areas and demonstrates heterogeneous characteristics in individuals and their behaviours reflecting not only individual demographic characteristics, but also interactions with each other and/or their local environment. This thesis describes the modelling method, system development, results alignment and model applications, as well as discussing the limitations and future potential of this model.

The catalyst for the urban growth of Skipton during the formative period of the modern town between 1865 and 1914 was indigenous investment and organisational change in cotton textiles in the aftermath of the Cotton Famine. Railway investment also played an important, although lesser part. The process was facilitated notably by the relaxation of policy on land tenure by the principal landowner and by the work of a well managed local authority. The resulting net in-migration, along with the internal redistribution of population necessitated by the extension of commercial and other services in the town centre, was accommodated by house building in clusters which were either aligned with or removed from the main factory sites. This gave rise to a distinctive pattern of social and spatial segregation, the distribution of which was governed principally by the need for factories to have access to water supplies for steam raising and condensing. Thus the canal corridor beyond the existing built-up area was subject to textile colonisation while wholly residential development was more closely associated with existing high status housing elsewhere. The study considers the processes involved in creating this pattern of development with particular reference to the values and activities of the principal decision-makers. It also discusses the resultant shift in power and influence from the principal landowner to the local authority and to industrial and commercial interests which increasingly were based outside the town. Arising from this a model of urban growth is proposed and tested against neighbouring small textile towns.