Abstract Land use and land cover changes in Constanța County are linked to socio-economic and political transformations, particularly during two key periods: the transition period (1990–2003), marked by a shift from a centralized economy to a market-oriented system, and the post-transition period (2003-present), characterized by continued economic growth and urban expansion. These transformations align with broader trends in post-socialist and rapidly urbanizing regions, where economic restructuring often precipitates the large-scale conversion of agricultural land into built-up areas. This study investigates nearly 30 years of land use and land cover changes, examining how urbanisation dynamics interact with land use transformations and planning constraints. Using CORINE Land Cover datasets alongside statistical data, key trends such as the expansion of artificial surfaces and the decline of forest and semi-natural areas are identified. A spatial suitability analysis, integrating spatial, contextual, and environmental variables, is then conducted to assess areas with potential for future urban development. The suitability analysis is framed as a normative planning tool that identifies areas appropriate for sustainable urban development, emphasizing environmental protection, spatial efficiency, and infrastructure-supported growth. Within this framework, the results reveal that cities in immediate proximity to the coastline exhibit markedly low suitability scores for further expansion, reflecting environmental constraints and sustainability-oriented planning priorities. Situated along the Black Sea coast, Constanța is one of the most urbanized counties in Romania. It serves as a representative case for examining urbanisation dynamics in coastal regions worldwide. In these areas, proximity to the sea accelerates urban growth, while also increasing vulnerability to environmental degradation. These findings provide valuable insights for other coastal cities facing similar development pressures, emphasizing the need for careful balancing of urban growth with environmental protection. This approach supports informed planning, particularly in regions undergoing accelerated land use transformations, a pattern common in fast-growing urban areas globally.
Elena et al. (Sat,) studied this question.