Overview

In line with the fundamental role of local government, the Department of Town Planning has, in the recent past, adopted a dedicated and more focused strategic planning approach (vision-driven planning) that is committed to ensuring optimization of existing resources, promotion of diverse combination of land uses and promoting residential and employment opportunities in close proximity (integration) with each other. Poor planning, political and investment decisions of the past about land development and where activities should be located in Newcastle have resulted in a town which has disadvantaged its citizens, especially the poor. 

Departmental Vision

To ensure success in all its development endeavours, the Department of Town Planning has always been committed to the following collectively crafted vision:

“Providing a vibrant, integrated and sustainable living environment offering opportunities for all”

Description of Activities

To bridge the gap between the current reality and its vision as well as in line with the Newcastle Municipality’s overall vision, the Department of Town Planning had adopted the following activities as part of it key functions: 

• Processing land development applications
• Processing outdoor advertising applications
• Managing spatial development projects
• Facilitating development initiatives
• Data capture and manipulation through GIS
• Processing special consent and rezoning applications
• Deal with unauthorized land usage and enforcement
• Processing of building line relaxation applications provide building control services
• Processing building plans
• Packaging and facilitating DFA applications   

All the above service functions are carried-out and managed internally with limited out-sourcing of specialist services and/or input.