National Spatial Development Strategy (NSDS)

National Spatial Development Strategy (NSDS)

The National Spatial Development Strategy (NSDS) provides the framework for decisions about the ways in which the national space will be used and developed over the next decade and beyond. In this context, ‘space’ includes the land, water and air, for which the people and Government of Trinidad and Tobago are responsible. The NSDS is intended to cover the ten-year period from 2013 to 2023, working towards a vision of desired progress that could be achieved within twenty years - by 2033. 
Table 1: NSDS Themes and Objectives 
1. STRONG AND RESILIENT COMMUNITIES (…)
2. SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY (…)
3. SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE (…)
Chapter 5. Priorities for Sustainable Development  
 
Building strong, diverse regions
Policy 2: Building Strong and Resilient Communities
Policy 3: Promoting Sustainable Urban and Rural Development
When formulating SDPs and considering planning applications, Planning Authorities (working with other public agencies as necessary) should:
• delineate appropriate settlement boundaries to limit the outward extension of existing urban areas, consistent with the need to safeguard agricultural land, prevent urban encroachment into forests and protected natural areas and restrict urban sprawl and the coalescence of settlements; (...)
• reduce dependence on car travel and associated environmental impacts by encouraging development patterns that allow for walking, cycling, or public transport as alternative, safe and convenient means of access to necessary services;
• encourage compact development patterns in order to use land efficiently and support a range of transportation options; (...)
• ensure that strategic new developments include provision for adequate public open space (gardens, recreation venues, sports fields, etc. 
 
Building Places for People
Policy 4: Designing and creating places for people 
To ensure that principles of good design are considered fully when development proposals are being formulated and are embodied in developments that are carried out:
• Planning Authorities should ensure that appropriate design policies, standards, codes and guidance are set out clearly in the SDPs and related documents, and are given due weight when proposals for change and development are being considered; (...) 
 
Policy 5: Planning for healthy communities
(…) Aim to achieve places that promote:
- safe and accessible environments where crime, disorder, and the fear of crime do not undermine quality of life or community cohesion; and,
- safe and accessible developments, containing clear and legible pedestrian routes, and high quality public space, which encourage the active and continual use of public areas.
 
Policy 6: Involving people in planning
Planning Authorities should approach participation in a way that enables communities to:
• be informed about emerging policies and proposals in good time;
• put forward ideas and suggestions and participate in developing proposals and options;
• be consulted on formal proposals;
• be involved in consultation activities in locations that are widely accessible; and,
• give and receive appropriate feedback. (p.40)
 
Delivering the homes we need
Policy 7: Meeting housing needs
Policy 8: Planning to improve conditions for squatters