What defines industrial estates in urban planning?

Industrial estates in urban planning are primarily defined by locations of clustered factories. These areas are specifically designated for industrial use, where manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics activities take place. The concentration of factories in these estates allows for efficiency in operations, as businesses benefit from proximity to suppliers, labor, and transportation links.

Industrial estates often include infrastructure that supports heavy vehicles, such as roads and loading docks, making them suitable for the types of transportation needed to move goods in and out efficiently. This focus on manufacturing and industrial functions distinguishes them from other types of urban spaces, such as residential zones or retail areas, which have different primary purposes and planning criteria.

Mixed-use residential zones, government buildings, and retail shopping areas serve different roles in urban planning and do not have the specific focus on industrial activity that characterizes industrial estates.