St Helena : St Helena: ‘In the Know with the MOU’
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 29.01.2012 (Article Archived on 12.02.2012)
This week is the second interview of a four part series ‘In the Know with the MOU’ which aims to inform our readers about the progress made on each of the ‘big’ reform areas under the MOU; Immigration, Land, Economic Development and Institutional Arrangements.
‘In the Know with the MOU’
Land
This week is the second interview of a four part series ‘In the Know with the MOU’ which aims to inform our readers about the progress made on each of the ‘big’ reform areas under the MOU; Immigration, Land, Economic Development and Institutional Arrangements.
Number two in the series is the latest update on Land. We caught up with Tony Earnshaw, Lands Executive to tell us more.
The final round of consultation on the Land Development Control Plan (LDCP), National Conservation Areas (NCAs), Land Disposal Policy and Housing Strategy started this week and will run over the following six weeks ending on 7th March.
It is hoped to have the new LDCP formally approved and adopted before April.
When implemented, the LDCP will set out the way land will be developed and protected on St Helena for the next 10 years.
Tony said:
“Because there was such a good response to the first round of consultation, and because this resulted in a number of amendments being made to the LDCP, it was felt to be appropriate that a further six week period of‘re-consultation’ took place before final decisions were made.”
As a result of this, from now until the end of March will be an exciting one for lands as the package of reforms covering the new LDCP, NCAs, a new Housing Strategy and Land Disposals Policy will all be taken through their final stages at the same time.
Taken together the reforms are all about making sure the Island has in place simple, transparent and development-friendly, decision-making processes for residents and potential investors alike.
These will balance the need to encourage investment in St Helena’s future with protection of the Island’s most important natural and man-made resources for years to come.
Tony said:
“The LDCP sits at the heart of this but it needs the other three equally important policies to be in place that ‘join up’ the way we approach the future.”
NCAs
NCAs seek to protect and enhance specific areas which are special because of their unique flora, fauna, and natural landscapes or built heritage. Some of these already have existing Conservation Plans in place but others will need more detailed Management Plans to be drawn up.
Land Disposal
The draft revised Land Disposal policies seek to make sure that we make the best use of Crown-owned land and buildings.
Tony explained:
“This needs to be done in a way which both kick-starts the local economy and ensures we have sufficient resources moving forward to support the things people think are important, education and health for example.”
Housing
The draft Housing Strategy tries to make sure that, as far as possible, residents can access affordable housing, that there is enough of it in the right areas, and that it is suitable for the long-term needs of the Island as a whole.
Tony said:
“Assuming that is achieved, we will also need to carry out a review of existing legislation such as the Planning Ordinance which is the specific legislation that currently provides the legal basis for planning decisions to be made and enforced. Any new or revised legislation that was required would then follow on, as appropriate.”
With the positive decision on the airport, the closer the Island moves to having air access the more likely there will be increased interest from potential local and inward investors alike.
Tony explained:
“As the Island is opened up to increased tourism and other opportunities it is crucial that we make sure not only that we capture that potential investment but that it is managed in a way which truly delivers the positive long term impacts for the Island and its residents as a whole for generations to come.”
Speaking with Tony:
What was the general response from the public on the reforms made under Lands?
“Change is always unsettling. However, the first round of the LDCP public consultation showed just how responsive SHG can be to the suggestions and concerns that people raised.
“There were nearly 100 responses received, which is excellent. All responses were taken in to account in producing the second draft of the LDCP and approximately 80% of the suggestions which were made have directly resulted in a positive change to the draft Plan. This shows how important it is to listen to what people think.
“Additionally those who made representations on the first draft LDCP are being written to, informing them of the response to their representations in the second draft.”
Personally how do you feel about what has happened so far and what lies ahead?
“This is one of the most exciting periods in St Helena’s modern history. I can honestly say that since I arrived on Island in November 2011, it has been a whirlwind. More importantly it has been a privilege to work alongside and amongst so many people who only have one thing on their minds- how can we help to transform the future fortunes of the Island.
“The task has not been without its challenges and there are still hurdles to face and overcome, but I am convinced that if we all continue to work together the Island and its residents will get the future they deserve. I feel lucky to be able to play a small part in making that happen.”
To make sure people are given a proper chance to comment on all four revised policies, the policies will be available online at www.sainthelena.gov.sh and also from Essex House. As with the LDCP first draft, there will be a Display and Consultation Suite open from 10.00am until 4.00pm Mondays to Fridays. It will also be open on one Saturday and there will be evening meetings in seven venues around the island on dates to be announced. The closing date for representations will be 7th March 2012.
Strategic Policy and Planning Unit
26th January 2012
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