Participate Constructively in Structure and Local Plans

Structure Plans will outline the broad policy framework for planning in a state (or sometimes in a district). Local Plans will give a detailed view of the planned development in a district.

1) Zoom in on areas that are environmentally important in your state or district such as green lungs and environmentally sensitive areas such as water catchment forests, hill sides, mangrove forests and other wetland areas. Land-use plans especially Local Plans should provide good detailed maps to show current land use such as:
a) areas that are environmentally sensitive such as wetlands, forests, wildlife sanctuaries, turtle landing sites
b) existing developed areas such as housing or industrial areas
c) roads
d) agricultural areas

2) Detailed maps to show proposed future land use should be provided in Local Plans. Check the statements regarding proposed future land use and use the maps as a guide to check:
a) Are there environmentally sensitive areas earmarked for other land use? For example, are there important water catchment forests or mangrove forests proposed for conversion to agriculture or some other land use? Is a current green lung in your housing area proposed for other land use?
b) Is there a road cutting across environmentally sensitive areas such as water catchment forests or mangrove forests?
c) Is beach or island reclamation proposed in or near environmentally sensitive areas such as turtle landing beaches and might affect the turtles?

3) Check if the proposed activity is justified. If it is not, provide your comments on why the activity should not take place. Please remember to be constructive in your comments. Always try to provide alternatives or recommendations.
a) Are there any proposed development projects that are incompatible? For example, has a new housing area been proposed next to a landfill or an industrial area without an adequate buffer zone? Has a new development been proposed in flood-prone areas or river banks? Comment and justify why the proposed activities should not take place. Provide recommendations to improve the plan.
b) Provide positive, affirmative feedback where it is due.
c) When submitting your comments, give your full name, contact address & number and email address. This will be important as the authorities will get in touch with you to attend a public hearing on the Structure/Local Plan. The objective of this hearing is to provide an avenue for you to present your comments in person to a hearing panel, consisting of members appointed by the state.