Planning pioneer's ideas live on

Jane Jacobs, the author of one of the most influential books of the 60s, has died.

The Village Voice describes her as the "American housewife who taught America how to see cities anew" - and her book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, had a big impact on British thinking, too.

It was a devastating attack on postwar planning and a passionate celebration of mix and densely-built neighbourhoods that had previously been regarded as slums.

Despite being written more than 40 years ago, its impact in Britain can be seen in everything from congestion charging to the pedestrianisation of town centres, the government's housing plans, and even modern offices.