Some environmental concerns in city development

Abstract

The rapid pace of urbanization and the deterioration of the environment in many areas requires effective legislation aimed at promoting the maintenance and creation of a high quality environment, both built-in and bio-physical. The functioning of the environment is better understood today and there is an ethics and dedication to environmental protection in the ranks of urban and regional planners to the growth. The task of protecting the environment is only contained in one article in the Land Use Planning Ordinance, but it is further explained in the 'Structural Planning Manual'. In essence, there is little difference with the Old Town Ordinance. Successful environmental protection, therefore, is not in the legislation itself, but in the way it is applied. Unfortunately, there is some degree of overlap in the responsibilities of different government departments in this regard. A distinction must be made between the outdated concept of preservation versus the dynamic concept of conservation. Preservation tries to keep human beings out of nature while conserving constructive symbiosis between man and his environment. In the application of the Ordinance, not only should we look at two-dimensional spatial planning, but to location creation that will integrate the interdependence of man and his environment. Environmental impact assessment is essential as part of the planning process, but it should not be mandated by legislation, because then the studies will become an end in itself. Persons from relevant disciplines, especially biophysics, designers and holists, must be part of the planning team (from the start of the planning process), but city planners who know the full extent of the process must take the lead. The authorities responsible for drafting and approving structural plans should give more clarity about the environmental expectations from the plans. However, we must guard against Long Marks, such as those given in the 'Manual', as it leads to excessive descriptive planning reports that are of no use. More importantly, the planning process establishes functional norms that measure the current environment and expected impact.