Efforts to transform Planning and Development Department

Government is on a mission to modernise and transform the Planning and Development Department to make it more efficient and improve its service delivery.

During a webinar held in conjunction with the Barbados Town Planning Society on Wednesday to mark World Town Planning Day, Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with Responsibility for Coordinating Infrastructural Projects, Dr William Duguid said this was a priority because it directly impacted Barbadians, various communities and businesses.

He said that under the Planning and Development Act, the department will not only be more transparent but will also be more open and customer-driven.

“The new legislation embodies [several] principles. The principle of proactive management is one of our core cornerstone precepts that underpin the review of the planning process and the adoptive changes against which performance should and will be measured as we move forward. The other principles are good governance, e-government, consultation and participation,” he said.

Duguid added that all planning application permissions now rest with a planning board, noting that officers under a delegated authority will decide on most applications, with the board dealing with complex issues.

He said this would lead to a swift application process.

Under the new legislation, there will be two new subcommittees – an environmental impact assessment committee and a design and engineering committee – and an appeal tribunal will also be established.

Duguid said the Act will foster a new culture in the Planning and Development Department, which is focused on greater interaction with the public and being more outcome-driven, not just controlling and regulating duties.

All applications will have to be submitted through an online portal, making it more convenient for customers.

The minister also said that the amended Physical Development Plan 2023 was approved by the Cabinet and would be laid in Parliament shortly. This plan, Duguid said, articulated the government’s strategies and policies for land use, planning and physical development in Barbados.

Climate resilient standards will be established for roads, drainage works and major buildings.

Director of the Planning and Development Department, Trevor Leach said another significant change was pre-application consultations, explaining that this would ensure customers meet the requirements needed for a successful submission.
(SZB)