The two dimensions of a local area plan as under:

1. Basic and higher needs: The welfare of the local community depends upon fulfilling the basic as well as higher needs of the people. The basic needs include food, cloth and shelter besides safe drinking water, basic education and health care, transport and communication facilities. Basic needs are necessary for survival. Higher needs help the society to become efficient service oriented and dynamic.

2. Dynamics of population growth and prospects of planning: In places where population growth remains normal, functional activities are largely unchanged and schemes of planning record success. For example Civil lines, mall roads etc. Present a striking balance between the growth of local population and concentration of functions and activities. On the contrary where the population growth is high and concentration of activities continues, the performance of planning usually remains poor. For example busy markets, industrial sites, transport junctions etc. Register a higher population growth and concentration of activities.

3. Economic basis for stability and development: In economic development of an area is another dimension in rural and backward regions in local area planning. It aims at raising the production and service levels, job generation, improved marketing network, favourable price policy, efficiency of transport etc. Economically advanced areas are usually capable of making significant investment towards natural conservation and ecological improvements. Similarly social infrastructure and facilities can also be created if areas have a sound economic base.

4. People's participation in planning: Awareness of the people and their participation in the local area planning can safeguard the interest of the community while maintaining the local ecological situation.