St Helena : St Helena Green Light for Land Reforms
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 31.03.2012 (Article Archived on 14.04.2012)
An important package of land reforms was approved by Executive Council on Tuesday, 20th March 2012 and will become official Saint Helena Government Policy from 1st of April.
Green Light for Land Reforms
An important package of land reforms was approved by Executive Council on Tuesday, 20th March 2012 and will become official Saint Helena Government Policy from 1st of April.
The Land Development Control Plan (LDCP), Land Disposal Policy and a Housing Strategy for St Helena 2012-2022 - ‘Laying the Foundations for Future Generations’ were all approved by Executive Council following extensive public consultation.
The purpose of revising the LDCP was to promote and enable appropriate development to take place. The revised LDCP differs from the current one and replaces it in four important ways:
It has greater emphasis on permitting development rather than restricting it, it promotes a properly planned approach to development to improve how the Island’s land and infrastructure are used in future and it also emphasises the importance of the natural and built heritage for tourism. There is greater emphasis on higher environmental standards.
The revised Land Disposal policies seek to make sure that we make the best use of Crown-owned land and buildings. It aims to do this in a way which both kick-starts the local economy and ensures we have sufficient resources moving forward to support other important services such as education and health.
Through the Housing Strategy SHG is trying to make sure that as far as possible residents can access affordable housing, that there is enough of it in the right places and that it is suitable for the long term needs of the Island as a whole.
Lands Executive, Tony Earnshaw, explains how this will be achieved:
“We’re making enough land available to support the Island’s estimated housing demands for future generations of residents, as well as promoting properly planned approaches to new Comprehensive Development Areas and Coastal Village Areas. This will include setting aside between 70-180 housing plots here for affordable homes. In addition, alternative better value methods of construction will be encouraged. We also want to see whether it’s possible to develop a non-profit making housing company to build and manage housing as well as explore new methods to help residents afford them, whether it be for sale or to rent.”
The reforms have at times presented a challenge for residents, politicians and officials alike. As Tony explains:
“Change can sometimes be unsettling and it is no wonder then that the scale and pace of change which marked the land reforms were met with a mixed reaction. In any reform there will be some winners and some losers. However, by listening carefully to people’s views we feel we’ve been able to devise a fair and balanced package which is in the best long term interests of the Island as a whole.”
That does not mean, however, that the task is complete.
Tony added:
“We now need to put these new policies in to practice using the momentum we have gained so far. If we all carry on working together this will be a much easier task. More importantly, we will be able to do the right things that should provide for the long term needs of the Island, its residents and businesses.”
Land Reform Team
27th March 2012
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