OF
PHYSICAL PLANNING,
NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT
The Department of Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Environment, shall develop and implement a comprehensive Physical Planning system that will establish the direction and framework for effective present and future planning, and shall organise and develop its resources and community efforts, to ensure the protection, preservation and enhancement of the Environment and its Natural Resources, for the present and future generations.
1) Preparation of a Physical Planning system with goals, policies, regulations and strategies for the most efficient and environmentally sustainable use of Land, to include Land Use Plans, Development Plans, Local Area Plans and Development standards and guidelines
2) Enable controlled development by the application of development controls and the enforcement of established standards and guidelines, to ensure consistency and conformity with development plans and approved projects, including land subdivision, building applications and road development activities.
3) Coordination of the planning function in Government, including maintaining and enhancing of communication links with all Government Departments and ensuring the Department�s involvement in project formulation and design.
4) Assessment of projects submitted to Government and by Government agencies, and provide recommendations to the Ministry and Cabinet.
5) Develop and implement policies, strategies and programs to enhance the protection, conservation, sustained development and management of the island�s Natural Resources and Environment, including the development of a Geographic Information System for the effective provision and management of data and mapping information.
6) Preparation and coordination of Environmental programs, strategies, standards and guidelines including the monitoring of environmental quality, conservation and preservation of critical environmental areas.
1) Continued development and enhancement of the Department�s staff.
2) Establishment of a database and Library for information warehousing.
3) Establishment of development standards and guidelines for effective coastal management, land subdivision, building and road works and industry.
4) Effective and efficient Implementation of National Projects, and ratified Regional and International Conventions & Policies.
5) Implementation of an effective public awareness and education program on planning and environmental issues, the laws and regulations of the new Planning Act.
6) Establishment of an extended Charlestown Historical District.
7) Establishment of an EIA Unit and a certification process for development in environmentally sensitive areas, including the establishment of a systematic quality-testing regime.
8) Finalisation of a 5 year Physical Development Plan.
9) Improvement of the Geographic Information System (GIS) Unit�s capabilities to provide up-to-date information and analysis.
10) Documentation of existing Land Use activities and formulation of proposals for future land use patterns.
11) Re-establishment of an advisory body for Inter-Sectoral Planning and Environment issues.
12) Completion of the Charlestown Master Plan document and implementation of the
critical recommendations.
