(4) The Spatial Development Plan (SDP) is used to consolidate, review and update information [related to Sector Plans etc.] for specific spatial planning regions. It translates the Spatial Development intentions of the MSDF into Land Use, Transport, Environmental and Infrastructure implications. The outcomes of this plan inform the MSDF with more realistic goals and recommendations and provides broad based Land Use Directives to guide Local Area Planning, Land Use Guidelines and Schemes, Bulk Infrastructure and Transportation Planning Directives for the Municipality.
(5) The Local Area Plan (LAP) is a detailed physical plan. LAPs are informed by the recommendations of both the Municipal IDP and SDF [by extension, any relevant SDP] by translating the intentions of these broader plans into a greater level of detail and thereby informing the preparation of a future Land Use Management Scheme for the Municipality. LAPs are based on specific geographical areas [such as towns and suburbs as defined in the SDP] and aims to undertake: a comprehensive analysis of the study area; identify and define the role of the study area; the qualification and quantification of SDF/SDP proposals to create priority projects; preparation of intervention strategies; provision of a planning framework and associated LUMS Guidelines.
(6) The primary mandate and focus of Precinct Plans is to ensure the implementation of broader strategic spatial objectives (as reflected in the MSDFs) at the local level. These plans thus serve as a means for the planning system to incentivise development in a way that meets a whole range of locally specific policy objectives while ensuring for “on the ground” manifestation and implementation of these spatial objectives. A Precinct Plan therefore provides a detailed framework for coordinating and informing both public and private investment as well as directing the physical development and management of all initiatives to create a well-integrated, resilient, accessible, safe and attractive environment for residents, visitors, tourists and investors. Areas with special environmental, economic and heritage characteristics; Urban and Rural CBD / Nodal Plans; Urban Corridor Plans; Urban Renewal Plans; and Township / Urban Regeneration Plans are all types of a Precinct Plan. They contain detailed urban design directives or proposals; and include implementation proposals to optimise the use of existing resources [including land and infrastructure] to encourage densification, intensification, protect heritage and promote the diversification of land uses within a specific area.
A Precinct Plan therefore:
a) Indicates the desired patterns of land use within the precinct and sets out basic guidelines for implementation
b) Identifies programmes, projects and restructuring elements for the development of land within the precinct
c) Sets out a clear implementation plan and the associated anticipated costs
d) Identifies where public investment should be prioritised while also identifying private sector investment
(7) Special Projects provides for the preparation of spatial policy, strategies, plans and guidelines relating to a specific geographic area or theme and may include the City Densification Strategy, Rural Development Strategy, Transit Oriented Development Strategies or Climate Resilience Strategies for Spatial and Land Use Plans etc
(8) The Built Environment Performance Plan (BEPP) has become a key component of the municipal package of plans. Annually the City is required to articulate its investment rationale and institutional arrangements to address spatial transformation and integration of the relevant line departments. The BEPP is not a standalone document and builds on the strategic principles and targets established in the IDP and SDF.
(9) Rural Settlement Plans, whilst not compulsory, assist with the testing and revision of a Wall-to-Wall Scheme. A Rural Settlement Plan is not cadastrally based but gives guidance to current and proposed land uses, access and the provision of bulk services. It acts to guide and facilitate orderly development. These plans need to consider: transportation, environmental, economic, social, agricultural and geotechnical requirements as well as access to bulk infrastructure. In developing the plan indigenous knowledge and practice needs to be considered as these areas fall under Ingonyama Trust Land and are administered by Traditional Councils and the Ingonyama Trust Board. In addition, a Rural Settlement Plan and / or Rural Layout Plan must reinforce the prerequisites of a Scheme having regard to minimum lot size, pan-handle width etc. and bear in mind projected development densities as well as the Guidelines for Human Settlement Planning and Design [CSIR].
(10) Land Use Schemes
Land Use Schemes form part of a comprehensive land use system (LUS) that gives effect to the requirements of Section 26 of the Municipal Systems Act 2000 and Plan 1 of the Integrated Development Plan. The preparation of Land Use Schemes is a statutory requirement established in terms of the eThekwini Municipality: Planning and Land Use Management By-law 2016, and framed against the Spatial Land Use Management Act, Act No. 16 of 2013 (SPLUMA).
A Land Use Management Scheme, more commonly known as Planning Schemes, is a statutory planning document together with an associated set of maps used to manage and promote development within a municipal area. A land use scheme is a critical component of the integrated spatial planning system and deals the details of the land use zoning and built form controls. The intent embodied within the Package of Plans as discussed above, is translated into the most appropriate development control zones and land uses within the schemes.
Schemes enable statutory decisions to be made and this in turn allows building plans to be considered. Schemes are required by law to be reviewed on an annual basis in line with the IDP and SDF reviews.
Land Use Schemes are planning tools used to deliver quality environments. This results in integrated responses which allows for the establishment and creation of robust and vibrant environments; while at the same time contributing to sustainable environments. Schemes place emphasis on environmental issues, infrastructural capacities and equally on the impact of development. Schemes also provide a mechanism for effective protection of ecosystem services through the creation of specialized environmental land use zones.
All of the above plans are decision-making tools used by the Municipality to:
· facilitate effective and efficient use of scarce land resources.
· facilitate decision making regarding the location of service delivery projects.
· guide public and private sector investment.
· strengthen democracy, inclusivity, resilience and spatial transformation
· promote intergovernmental coordination on spatial issues.
· serve as a framework for the development of lower order plans and Scheme and as the basis for land development decisions
· guide and inform the spatial location of municipal infrastructure investment and spatial priorities;
· provide visual representation of the desired urban form of the municipality in the short, medium and long term.
· define and facilitate a progressive move towards the attainment of an agreed upon desired spatial form within the municipality’s area of jurisdiction.
At a strategic level, this SDF review aims to provide evidence of SPLUMA compliance as well as complying with all other applicable policies and legislation as referenced in this chapter.