What is the function of a Town and Regional Planner ?

Individuals, groups and communities generate within society social and economic activities which place demands on the use of land. The planner is concerned with the arrangement and allocation of these land uses. He must ensure that development will take place in a healthy and orderly fashion to the social and economic advantage of the community.

The Town and Regional Planner is a central figure in the urban and regional development process. He is involved, on the one hand, in the formulation, preparation and implementation of development proposals for future growth, and on the other hand, the control of development in existing urban and rural areas.

The four basic levels of planning with which he is concerned are: the national, the regional or subregional, the city or town and the site. Planning at the first two levels is generally undertaken by planners employed in Central Government and regional/ provincial councils and authorities, although consulting planners may be called on to undertake research and other specialised studies for these agencies. Planning at the other two levels is either carried out by planners employed by a City or Town Council or by Town and Regional Planners in private practice.

How does Town and Regional Planning affect you ?

Irrespective of where one lives, Town and Regional Planning affect us all. The property we own, live on and work on, is subject to various planning controls. Planning regulations and controls affect the purposes for and the intensity to which land may be used. For example: the sorts of activities which may be allowed and the zoning thereof; the coverage, bulk and height of buildings that may be erected; requirements with respect to access to and the amount of parking on the site are usually embodied in the Town Planning Scheme.

In general the location of the various land uses is determined either entirely or in part, by Town and Regional Planners. Aspects such as housing, industry and employment, shopping and commercial activities, recreation and leisure, urban decay and renewal, transportation and communication and the protection of areas of historical, cultural and natural significance, fall within the scope of the work of the Town and Regional Planner.

How can the Town and Regional Planner assist you ?

The Town and Regional Planner can advise you on the procedures laid down for and undertake the preparation of or the amendment of the structure plans, a town planning scheme or the layout and establishment of townships (neighbourhoods). In each case the planner will prepare the necessary documentation and submit or administer the application on your (the client's) behalf. He is also in a position to advise on the costs involved as well as indicate the timing and phasing of projects. He is, therefore, also in a position to advise on the feasibility of projects.

For the person interested in buying land he can give invaluable assistance with respect to determining, for example, what planning restrictions may apply, what physical constraints are present or whether any legal provisions, such as servitudes, may exist; all of which influence the development potential of the land and hence whether you would purchase the property or not.

Depending on the nature and scope of the development the planner can advise you as to what specialists may have to be brought together to execute a particular study or project, and will coordinate their specialist contributions, for example, in group or sectional title housing schemes and in the carrying out of environmental impact assessments.

What are the costs of such professional advice and work ?

The fees payable for services rendered by a Town and Regional Planner are presently laid down by the South African Planning Institute. Copies of the relevant section of the Handbook are available from the Institute. Fees are generally similar to those charged by other professions.

How is your Town and Regional Planner trained and registered ?

A Town and Regional Planner is a qualified, professional person who normally has a university training and at least three years practical experience. He is also registered in terms of the Town and Regional Planning Act of 1984.

Should a Town and Regional Planner not be known to you, you can approach the South African Council of Town and Regional Planners for a list of its members in consulting practice.

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