Land use scheme to undergo extensive public awareness campaign
EMMARENTIA – According to the Act, each local authority is required to adopt and approve a single land use scheme that regulates all areas within its jurisdiction.
The Land Use Development Management (LUDM) Directorate, within Development Planning, will be conducting public meetings at which the City of Johannesburg Land Use Scheme (LUS) will be discussed.
Implemented in February this year, the LUS is a reference book that prescribes the extent to which properties can be developed, and stipulates processes regarding the use of properties in the city.
The LUS was drafted in terms of the provisions of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) 16 of 2013, the regulations made in terms thereof, and the subsequent City of Johannesburg Municipal Planning By-law, 2016.
According to the Act, each local authority is required to adopt and approve a single land use scheme that regulates all areas within its jurisdiction.
Prior to the adoption of the new scheme, Johannesburg had 16 different town planning schemes, adopted in terms of the Town Planning and Townships Ordinance Acts of 1965 and 1985. These historic schemes were, however, created using inconsistent rules for land development based on location.
Through its various engagements with residents, the directorate has identified a need for members of the public to increase their awareness of land use regulations to promote compliance with the law.
Accordingly, LUS is an important tool that serves as the basis for zoning law enforcement in the city.
The LUDM Directorate, in partnership with the Building Development Management Directorate, Planning Law Enforcement Unit, Environmental Health, and Emergency Medical Services, will host a series of public meetings across the city in an effort to familiarise residents and other stakeholders with the LUS.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Development Planning, councillor Reuben Masango appealed to residents to attend and take part in the public meetings, as the LUS affects daily activities carried out on all properties in Johannesburg.
“We have noted with great concern issues that have stemmed from communities, due to the lack of information around land-use regulations in the city. This has led to a high number of non-compliance cases amongst our residents.
“The contravention of City by-laws, particularly in the built environment, contribute to derelict buildings and the general deterioration that we have witnessed across Johannesburg over the years.
“The need for compliance is high up on the [directorate’s] list of priorities, as it ensures the safety of people who immediately occupy these buildings. We, therefore, urge all residents to use this opportunity to engage with our officials and empower themselves with information related to their properties,” MMC Masango said.
A public meeting in Region B will take place on 5 September from 6-9pm at Marks Park, Emmarentia.
Related article:
https://northeasterntribune.co.za/228962/new-land-scheme-addresses-space-related-problems/
