The Land Use Planning Ordinance, 1985 Facilitator of public participation in the planning process?

Abstract

To date, public participation has received little attention in South Africa as a potentially positive and constructive tool in the planning process. There was a tendency for authorities to suppress and restrict the participation to the minimum legal requirements as set out in the respective provincial ordinances regarding town planning and township establishment. This somewhat negative approach has largely contributed to the general public's skepticism regarding planning proposals in particular, but also towards the planning profession in general. The growing trend of pressure groups against planning proposals is a further manifestation of 'Jan Publiek''s dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.With the entry into force of the Land Use Planning Ordinance in Cape Town, 1985, a new planning scheme was established. Especially Structural Planning provides an opportunity to positively involve the general public in the planning process. It appears that, despite the fact that the Administrator and the second-level government will still exercise reasonable control over physical planning issues, it is the responsibility and responsibility of local authorities to take the initiative to publicize to promote planning participation issues. This article briefly discusses the reasons why public participation should be promoted, the impact that participation may have on planning proposals and the extent to which the Ordinance is prescriptive regarding public issues / planning issues. This concludes with some practical suggestions on how public participation can be a positive part of the planning process.