Hylton calls for National Spatial Plan

The Opposition has called for the Government to urgently develop a National Spatial Plan, in consultation with stakeholders, which would help to overhaul what he described as the country’s outdated physical planning system.

Anthony Hylton, Opposition Spokesperson on National Physical Planning, made the plea during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Parliament on Tuesday.

Hylton argued that deficiencies have undermined the effectiveness of development institutions such as the Urban Development Corporation and generated social problems including crime, urban decay, and squatting.   

“The mechanism should go beyond narrow partisan politics and aim to ensure that Jamaica’s long sought-after growth agenda is realised,” said Hylton.

Hylton charged, "The case has been strengthened by the Singapore experience, which adopts international best practices in involving stakeholders at both national, strategic and local planning levels resulting in guidance for local actors in the system."

The opposition spokesperson noted that legislative amendments are needed to boost consultation on infrastructure-related issues.

“Mr Speaker, considering the current trends, locally and globally, we must reform existing legislation which exempts government agencies, particularly those in the planning and development areas, from having to engage stakeholders in meaningful consultation," Hylton noted.

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