Ribbon development means building houses along the roads radiating from a town. Ribbon development genrerated greta concern in the UK during the 1920s and 30s, as well as in numerous other countries.

Increasing motor car ownership meant that such houses would be saleable even though they might be remote from shops and other services. It was attractive to developers because they did not have to waste money or plot space constructing roads.

The practice became seen as antithetical to efficient use of resources and as a precursor to urban sprawl, meaning that a key aim the the United Kingdom's post-War planning system was to halt ribbon development. It led to the introduction of green belt policies.

See also Green Belt (UK).