THE EDITOR, Sir:
RE THE story:"Approval process too long - Scott" in The Gleaner of April 24: In Jamaica, we refer to the multifaceted activity of "town planning" as 'Physical planning' implying that town planning only makes assessment of what is to be built. In my limited knowledge, town planning encompasses the social, economic, physical and environmental. Until the State and its various agencies understand and apply the multifaceted techniques in addressing land use issues, then the confusion will reign.
The head of the Jamaica Developers Association (JDA) is in his rights to demand a professional and responsive service to the built environment. This demand should have been more consistent and I am in no doubt that the improvement that he seeks would have been mere fine-tuning. Unfortunately in his frustration, he is making demands, which are unacceptable, especially when the infrastructure of that system remains under-developed.
Mr. Scott's suggestion is similar to one of the recommendations made to the government by Coopers and Lybrand (UK edition 20th November 1996) that a proposal should be considered to be permitted (approved), if the planning agency fails to communicate with the applicant within 90 days. Mr. Scott's, like Coopers and Lybrand's recommendation, is fundamentally flawed. We have a system of sorts, and it fails miserably to enforce against unauthorised uses throughout the KSAC area. I am quite sure that no member of the JDA would wish to have a gas station, a fast food chain, night club or motor vehicle garage operating opposite their home due to non-communication between the developer and the town planning agency.
I do believe that members of the JDA would wish to lobby their Councillors and MP's through proper consultations discussing the detrimental impact of such uses next to their home. Sustainable development requires that planners assess all facets of the development. If the urban conurbations of Jamaica are not regulated through town planning the economic success sought by the JDA members will not materialise. Stop the free-for-all mentality.
"No society can be properly managed if corruption and lawlessness are rampant. No society can be properly managed if vulgarity is encouraged in high places and indiscipline is justified. No society can make progress without the right kind of values and strong leaders and institutions maintaining standards and demanding that people observe rules. Without these things all the money in the world can't help us." - The Stone Columns: 18th May 1992.
I am etc.,
HUGH G MILLER
Town Planner UK.
hugh@idlersrest.freeserve.co.uk
18 viloet road
Walthamstow, London
Via Go-Jamaica
