St Helena : The Land Development Control Plan explained
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 06.02.2012 (Article Archived on 20.02.2012)

With the second round of consultation having already begun on the revised draft Land Development Control Plan (LDCP), it is vital for members of the Planning Team to receive as much feedback as possible from the public.

The Land Development Control Plan explained

With the second round of consultation having already begun on the revised draft Land Development Control Plan (LDCP), it is vital for members of the Planning Team to receive as much feedback as possible from the public.

The LDCP will provide the foundations for future land use and it is therefore important that readers know exactly what is being proposed for the island.

Below is a summary of what the LDCP is all about, what the revised draft contains and how to get involved.

Planning Policies and the Land Development Control Plan

To ensure planning decisions are consistent and fair and to give guidance to anyone thinking of developing, planning policies are published in the LDCP – a written document with attached maps.

The LDCP sets out the overall aims of planning control; the principles behind achieving a balance between development and conservation; specific policies for different parts of the island, and individual topics, such as housing and tourism.

The LDCP sits alongside, and is designed to, work with other Government policies and strategies, particularly the Housing Strategy, the Land Disposal Policy (for Crown property), the infrastructure policies and the Tourism Development Plan. Together they form part of the wider strategy for the island. This being a wealthier and better place to live, work, invest and enjoy spare time.

Head of Planning and Development Control, David Taylor explains why the existing LDCP is being reviewed now:

“The existing LDCP came in to effect in 2007. It is being changed now to encourage more development and better standards and clearer conservation policies that will enable the whole island to benefit from the opportunities which air access will bring.

“The first draft of the revised LDCP was the subject of Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) by external consultants, to check that it met environmental and social targets.

“Recommendations from the SESA, alongside responses from public consultation, have been included in the second draft which is out for public consultation until 7th March 2012.”

Planning Zones

Individual parts of St Helena have diverse characteristics and therefore varied opportunities for development and differing needs for conservation. Reflecting this, the existing LDCP divides the island into three zones, the Green Heartland, the Coastal Zone and the Intermediate Zone, with differing policies in each. The revised LDCP follows the same three zones, with minor changes in the boundaries and more clearly stated policies applicable to them.

In the Green Heartland the aim is to restrict development so that undeveloped nature is protected for all time. Some strictly controlled tourism development will be allowed and existing or derelict buildings will be able to be rebuilt and extended. Development necessary for agriculture and forestry will also be permitted.

In the Coastal Zone extensive tourism development will be encouraged, as well as some housing development, providing that in both cases, the sites for development are carefully chosen to maintain the natural character of the landscape. Development must be in hollows and valleys not on ridges or exposed slopes and the layout and design of buildings must respect their natural setting. Again, agricultural development will be permitted and agricultural land will be strictly protected from other development.

In the Intermediate Zone all types of development will normally be permitted providing they are in accordance with good planning principles. This will need to be on a more effective planned basis than in recent years, to make better use of available land and services, and to create higher standards of amenity.

Changes to Zone Boundaries

In the first draft of revision to the LDCP, extensive changes were proposed to zone boundaries, which attracted opposition from the public. In the second draft the changes have been limited to very few so that greater opportunities will remain for individuals to develop their own land subject to appropriate standards. Similarly, in the Coastal Zone, policies have been revised to permit development on existing small plots, to respect the island tradition of sub-division.

The Airport

The LDCP strategy is based on economic growth which the airport should bring. Planning policies therefore support every aspect of creating it.

Tourism

Low-volume, high value sustainable tourism, based on St Helena's unique natural and built heritage, is seen as the basis for the island's economic growth. LDCP policies therefore encourage it, whilst at the same time make it sustainable.

Employment Premises

Tourism will generate wider economic business uses and air access will help low volume high value exports. LDCP policies therefore encourage and create opportunities for business premises, both appropriately sited new buildings and re-use of historic buildings in Jamestown.

Housing

One of the basic principles behind the LDCP is to make sure that as far as possible residents can access affordable housing, that there is enough of it and that is it suitable for the long term needs of the Island as a whole.

National Conservation Areas

As Dr Nikki Chapman, Manager of the Nature Conservation Division explains:

“National Conservation Areas (NCAs) is an ‘umbrella term’ adopted by St. Helena to describe a range of sites that represent the very best of St. Helena’s landscapes, plant, animals, landforms and heritage. The NCAs will bring together areas that have previously been referred to as National Protected Areas (natural) and Conservation Areas (built).”

NCAs were part of the LDCP Phase One consultation process. As a result of additional information and consultation by an external consultant, boundaries have been amended. Now the LDCP enters Phase Two consultations, there will be a presentation on NCAs at each public event. The community are encouraged to attend and view associated maps and provide their views.

Energy

Reliable electricity is vital for the future development of the island. LDCP policies therefore support energy production and distribution, with emphasis on sustainable sources including wind, water and the sun.

Water

Water is a precious resource and it is vital to the future development of the island. LDCP policies therefore support water infrastructure and water conservation.

Telecommunications

Growth of the island's economy needs effective modern telecommunications. LDCP policies therefore support construction of its infrastructure, as long as appropriate landscape considerations are met.

Agriculture and Forestry

Increased agricultural production will be important to provide for increased tourism and increased population but also to maintain the character of critical pasture-land landscapes. LDCP policies therefore encourage agriculture and forestry and seek to assist the viability of businesses by permitting tourism development as part of those businesses.

Public Meetings

The following public meetings are planned over the coming weeks:

Opening times for the Consultation Suite are as follows:

For further information on the revised LDCP contact the Planning Officer at planning.officer@legalandlands.gov.sh. Queries on NCAs should be directed to Manager of Nature Conservation Division at m.nconservation@environmentalmanagement.gov.sh

Remember! We need your representations by 4pm on Wednesday 7^th March 2012.

Planning Team

1^st February 2012

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