Authority discusses planning issues with licenced agents |06 October 2015

Architects, surveyors, draughtsmen and other key players in the development and planning sector have met the planning authority to discuss and address pertinent related issues.

Land Use and Housing Minister Christian Lionnet launched the discussions which took place last week at the ICCS.

Minister Lionnet commended the good turnout of key stakeholders involved in the planning process which he says is crucial in enabling developers to make their respective commercial, tourism, industrial projects become reality.

He went on to  stress the importance for his ministry to ensure developments are planned and carried out in a sustainable manner as pillars for social and economic growth without threatening our pristine environment and without compromising health and safety standards.

“In enabling government to accomplish its goal of improving the country rating for the ease of doing business, the Planning Authority plays a crucial role through the services it offers in terms of deciding on physical development applications, issuing occupancy certificates and monitoring development,” Minister Lionnet pointed out.

He noted that emphasis has been placed on a planning system that needs to continuously be effective and efficient in making development easier.

While commending the remarkable success and achievements of the Planning Authority over the years to streamline its processes so as to speed up decisions on planning applications as well as improve its services, Mr Lionnet said a lot more needs to be done.

Among the challenges and shortcomings that need to be addressed are: online application submission facilities for agents which are still encountering difficulties as well as the setting up of a library on guideline and policies to be used by agents and developers to ensure proper functionality of the demerit point system as a deterrent for substandard planning submissions.

But Minister Lionnet recognised that making it easier for agents and developers to carry out development proposals is not the responsibility of the Planning Authority and other referral agencies only but strong effort and commitment is required from the different agents who are entrusted by clients to represent them throughout the preparation and submission process of their applications.

“As licenced agents mandated to serve the people, strive to provide the best services to your clients, ensure that prior to submission all applications meet the required standards,” Minister Lionnet told the agents.

Planning Authority chief executive Gerard Hoareau said the authority will continue to do what it takes to ensure that all stakeholders – be it referral agencies, licenced agents as well as clients – exercise their responsibilities during the planning process.

It was in March this year that the Planning Authority constituted a new board headed by Hugh Adam to help it improve its service.

“The board members were carefully selected to give further impetus to an already progressive authority,” Mr Hoareau said.

He pointed out that during its short tenure of office the authority has witnessed the changes that stem from the innovative work approach advocated by the new board.

But he stressed that their focus in addition to making swift decisions, is for the authority to have continued communication with all stakeholders.