THE Democratic Alliance in eThekwini was encouraged to see the positive results of the new Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) that now nationally governs town planning.
According to councillor Martin Meyer, since the act has come into place there has been much better communication between developers and ward councillors, and the decisions of rezoning are now done by the experts with no interference from politicians.
“Unfortunately, for reasons we can only speculate, the ANC led municipality at the council meeting of 24 February turned back the clock by making politicians, and in effect the ANC councillors, the final arbiter on all town planning applications. The act allows for the Executive Committee of the eThekwini Council to either appoint an independent committee to deal with all appeals on town planning issues, or to delegate the powers within the council,” said Meyer.
He said the ANC led council had opted for this second option, delegating the powers to the Town Planning Committee.
“Let us not forget that this is the committee that has in the past often overturned expert officials’ recommendations on town planning and brought some shocking town planning fiascos like the infamous 317 Currie Road to our city. Whereas the DA acknowledges that EXCO under the current act has the legal right to delegate the powers to the Town Planning Committee, the DA urged council to act in the best interest of the city by appointing an independent body, free from political influence, and made up of professionals,” said Meyer.
Addressing council, Meyer said when it came to town planning, politicians should only be involved in the bigger town planning schemes, and not in day-to-day applications.
Meyer and Councillor Jethro Leferve, both representing wards on the Berea, proposed an amendment to allow for an independent body to be appointed, but the ANC voted against this.
“We have noted the rise of civic groups like Save Our Berea which has been calling on greater transparency in town planning matters and we will now call to meet with these organisations to discuss a way forward in this matter. We will fight for a fair and responsible Town Planning scheme that benefits all residents, allowing the city to develop while protecting the unique architectural heritage of the city,” said Meyer.
