AT THE GROUND-BREAKING ceremony as “fait accompli” the assurance was given by the minister responsible for Town & Country Planning that the Pickering project in St Lucy is consistent with the Physical Development Plan for Barbados.
It is not observed however, that as a matter for which development plans may be made, the process which requires submission to and approval by resolution of both Houses of the Legislature, has been satisfied.
There needs to be no reminder that the Town & Country Planning Act binds the Crown. The development of a “Boom Town” (or New Town) in St Lucy is of such a magnitude that it warrants compliance with statutory provision for referral to the Minister qua Established Town & Country Planning Advisory Committee instead of being dealt with by the Chief Town Planner.
The referral entails publication as an amendment of the Development Plan or Description as an Area of Comprehensive Development, and the commissioning of a Report of Public Inquiry into objections and representations, before submission by the minister to both Houses of the Legislature for approval by resolution.
Non-textual amendment of the Development Plan by consultants who are unfamiliar with the statutory structure of the Plan tend to confuse rather than to clarify the comprehensive policy for the continuous and consistent use as progressive development of all the land in this island (where urban or rural, coastal or hinterland).
LEONARD ST. HILL
