St Helena : St Helena MOU Update – Land Development Control Plan
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 29.10.2011 (Article Archived on 12.11.2011)

In this week’s update on the Land Development Control Plan (LDCP) we would like to focus on some of the Frequently Asked Questions coming out of the consultation so far.

MOU Update – Land Development Control Plan

In this week’s update on the Land Development Control Plan (LDCP) we would like to focus on some of the Frequently Asked Questions coming out of the consultation so far.

Are you taking land away from Saints?

No. Absolutely not.

What we have proposed are boundary changes so there is potential that land may be classed under a different zone. These proposed changes were discussed in a previous MOU update.

Is my property affected?

The proposed boundary changes are shown in the maps within the draft LDCP. The draft is available online at www.sainthelena.gov.sh, and is also available at a number of locations including the Public Library and the Consultation Suite at Essex House.

The feedback we have had during the consultation is that members of the public have found the Geographic Information System (GIS) to be a really useful tool. It allows us to extract detailed maps of a particular area of interest so if people are concerned that their property is affected by the proposed boundary changes please do get in touch. You can either visit us at Essex House to see these maps on our computer system or you could arrange to have us email you a map of the particular area you are interested in. If you know your parcel number, this is handy but if not, just describe to us where your plot is.

Why move the boundaries at all? Why not leave them the same?

It is perhaps worthwhile noting that almost a year ago there was a public consultation exercise to determine the principles of the review of the LDCP. These principles were adopted by ExCo in February 2011. The response of the consultation was that the island wished to retain the three zone system (the Green Heartland, the Intermediate Zone, and the Coastal Zone). There was also discussion at that time regarding the characteristics of each zone.

Our aim has been to ensure that there is consistency in setting out the zones. For example, if an area currently within the Intermediate Zone shares characteristics that are more similar to the Green Heartland, we have proposed that it is designated as Green Heartland. The reasons will differ case to case so do contact us if there is a particular area you are interested in.

Will I be able to build a house?

This is something that will need to be assessed on a case by case basis, depending on the details of your particular development application. However, the general rule is that housing development is permitted in the Intermediate Zone (the same rule applies under the current LDCP).

We are 100% confident that there is more than sufficient land within the Intermediate Zone to meet the housing needs of the island for at least the next fifty years.

In addition, as we know how important housing is to the island, we are also proposing that the policies for the coastal zone be opened up to permit more housing development in this zone.

The general rule for the Green Heartland is that it should be kept green – again, this was something that came out of the public consultation on the principles of the LDCP. With this in mind, we are proposing that no new housing development should take place in the Green Heartland (this rule applies under the current LDCP). However, it is proposed that the extension of existing housing in the Green Heartland be permitted. This is because we do not wish to see the property that is already in the Green Heartland fall into disuse – we do want to make the best of what is already there. It is also proposed that the re-use, reconstruction and extension of existing derelict dwellings should be permitted so that the dwellings that have fallen into ruin can be brought back into use. In both cases, it is proposed that extensions should not be more than 50% of the original floor area.

Why are you making my land undevelopable?

This question comes up particularly in relation to land that it is proposed will fall under the Green Heartland. Moving into a different planning zone does not mean that you are no longer able to develop your land; simply that it would need to comply with the particular planning policies for that zone. It really depends on the type of development you are proposing: this is perhaps an issue that is easier to discuss on a case by case basis so do let us know the particular areas of land that you are concerned about.

Why are you making the LDCP more for outsiders and not for Saints?

This question has cropped up once or twice but we really do not think this is the case. We have deliberately given tourism a high priority under the draft LDCP as the airport will bring about greater opportunities for tourism development and we wish to enable this. Promoting tourism does not mean that we are disregarding Saints – we want all investors, whether local or inward, to benefit from these opportunities.

What is happening about empty properties?

There is an ongoing discussion about empty properties but no firm proposals at present. This is where there is a link between the work on the LDCP and on the Housing Policy. The LDCP tells us that there is more than sufficient land for housing development for future needs. However, the work on the Housing Policy tells us that even now there is demand for housing that is not being met – we simply do not have sufficient housing at present.

We are aware that there are a number of empty properties around the island – this is a potential supply of housing that could help meet this demand. Bringing empty properties back online would benefit those in need of housing and also those who are able to rent and derive an income, rather than simply leaving the property standing empty. The choice to rent is entirely up to the owner.

When are the public meetings being held?

The schedule of public meetings is shown below:

For those of you that are particularly interested in construction, there will be a special meeting focussing on this topic and how it relates to the LDCP on Tuesday, 1^st November at 5pm at the Jamestown Community Centre. Following this meeting, some of the team will be heading to Saint FM for a live (and we hope lively!) discussion at 7.30pm. We will do our best to answer any questions you might have.

Don’t forget that our exhibition on alternative housing methods will remain open at Essex House up until 4^th November.

For further information on the LDCP contact any member of the Planning Section at Essex House on tel: 2270 or email secretary@legalandlands.gov.sh

Remember! We need your representations by Friday 11th November.

[All photos by Andrew Darlow]

Lands Working Group

27^th October 2011

This article is the Property and Copyright of Saint Helena Herald.