TOWN PLANNING

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 267, 7 August 1929, Page 10

TOWN PLANNING

ACT TO BE AMENDED REGIONAL SCHEMES It has been found that the present Town Planning Act does not meet all requirements. Consequently the Government has decided to bring down certain amendments to the Act this session on lines foreshadowed in the report of the Town Planning Board published last April. The provisions are to enable the preparation of non-sta-tutory regional planning schemes for all areas in which there is community of economic and social interest, disregarding the boundaries of the separate local authorities within those areas. Powers are to be given to enable local authorities, both borough and counties, to exercise more effective control over land subdivision and building operations pending the preparation and approval of their statutory town planning schemes. Temporary Provision. The Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle) stated yesterday that a meeting of the Town Planning Board would be held on August 14 to consider the proposed amendments in detail. He hojted that it would be possible to reach some degree of finality at the meeting so as to enable a Bill to be drafted and submitted for the consideration of the Government. “It must not be assumed,” said the Minister, “that the amendments I have indicated preclude the possibility of further amendments at a later date. From reports furnished to me by the Director of Town Planning (Mr. J. W. Mawson) there can be no doubt that regional planning on the scale now proposed is bound to have a far-reaching effect on the statutory provisions of the present Act. It is thought to be advisable to gain actual experience in the operation of these provisions before discussing any further amendments.. To mention one matter only—the regional planning schemes should give a clear indication as to those areas suitable and likely to be required for urban development and in respect of which statutory town planning schemes should be prepared.” Difficulties Encountered. The Director of Town Planning has reported that one of the greatest difficulties encountered in the preparation of statutory town planning schemes, not only in New Zealand, but in othercountries as well, could be attributed to the fact that the boundaries of urban authorities were more or less arbitrary ; they had very little relation to the areas for which town-planning schemes should be prepared if the best results were to be obtained. “In the meantime,” Mr. de la Perrelle said, “It is hoped that the amendments proposed will safeguard the future by preventing undesirable or uneconomic urban development until such time as the statutory town planning schemes can be put into force.”