This paper examines the practical contribution of remote sensing to environmental management at the sub-regional scale. The framework for environmental management at a sub-regional scale in the United Kingdom is the County Structure Plan. The Merseyside County Structure Plan seeks to promote the regeneration of older parts of the conurbation whilst safeguarding and enhancing the County's open land. The extent of derelict and despoiled land where development may be promoted is indicated by analysis of panchromatic air photographs. A survey of the quality of residential environments was carried out using colour infrared (CIR) air photography.