St Helena : Replacement of out-dated Land Use Plan to Assist in Island Development
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Juanita Brock) 14.02.2004 (Article Archived on 28.02.2004)
For some time now, the St Helena Government saw the need to replace the outdated Strategic Land Use Plan with a new Land Development Control Plan in anticipation of a new era for the Island.
Replacement of out-dated Land Use Plan to assist in Island Development
For some time now, the St Helena Government saw the need to replace the outdated Strategic Land Use Plan with a new Land Development Control Plan in anticipation of a new era for the Island.
Not only is the existing plan out of date, but there is a need to include policies and proposals which will give positive encouragement to future investment on the Island, while strongly protecting its heritage. Some ground work has already been carried out by the Legal, Lands and Planning Department but a lot more work needs to be done.
With work on Air Access at the top of the SHG agenda, and the subject of urgent discussions with the Department For International Development, SHG feels that now, more than ever, the Island should be prepared to embrace the sort of development which will help to stimulate the economy and encourage St Helenians to return to the Island, a key point identified by a Strategic Objective working group. Getting the right balance between economic growth, social progress and environmental protection will be the challenge which the Island will need to meet, particularly when Air Access brings the world much closer.
Jack Peeters MRTPI, SHG Planning Advisor, has been appointed to assist with the development of a new Land Development Control Plan since SHG has very limited expertise in this field. Jack will be arriving at St Helena this week for a period of one month. He is an experienced Chartered Planner and the former District Planning Officer for the Aylesbury Vale District Council. He has a wealth of experience in land planning matters and is familiar with the Island, having visited in early 2002 in connection with the Air Access project. He will be working closely with colleagues within SHG but a major part of his visit will be taken up with consulting closely with the Islands people and organisations on issues such as housing, tourism and other employment, conservation and transport.
Work on the plan will continue after Jack’s visit with a view to the issue of a first draft of the new plan for consultation later in the year. SHG are also seeking DFID assistance to recruit a TCO for longer term support on development matters.
Persons with views on the Strategic Land Use Plan, a copy of which can been seen at the Legal, Lands and Planning Department, are welcome to submit their views to the Planning Officer, Mr Gavin George at the department, either in writing or on telephone 2270.
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
11 February 2004
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