Urban planning system of Trinidad and Tobago
The territorial planning processes in Trinidad and Tobago are grounded in the Planning and Facilitation of Development Act (2010) which presupposes the creation of schemes both on the national and subnational realm. The central government and its planning authorities hold the key role on both of these levels. Moreover, in recent years several national instruments including aspects of urban and territorial planning have been put forward, for instance, the Vision 2030 – the National Development Strategy of Trinidad y Tobago 2016-2030 and the National Spatial Development Strategy (NSDS). They propose various strategies to address the topics of accessible housing, infrastructure, sustainable urban development and thriving human settlements. This paves the way for new advancements in this matter in this Carribean state.
National institutions
- Ministry of Finance - Trinidad and Tobago
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Development - Trinidad and Tobago
- Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government - Trinidad and Tobago
- Ministry of Planning and Development (MDP) - Trinidad and Tobago
- National Physical Planning Authority - Trinidad and Tobago
- Office of The Prime Minister - Trinidad and Tobago
- Tobago House of Assembly - Trinidad and Tobago
International institutions
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Planning instruments
Select the type of Planning instruments from the following list:
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StrategyLong-term
National Environmental Policy (2018)
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StrategyLong-term
National Spatial Development Strategy (NSDS)
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StrategyLong-term
Vision 2030 – the National Development Strategy of Trinidad y Tobago 2016-2030
Mon, 06/14/2021 - 19:29
Legal base
It is hereby recognised and declared that in Trinidad and Tobago there have existed and shall continue to exist, without discrimination by reason of race, origin, colour, religion or sex, the following fundamental human rights and freedoms, namely– (a) the right of the individual to l...
The principal functions of the National Planning Authority are to (a) facilitate good and sustainable development in a fair, transparent and equitable manner; (d) develop regulations, standards and practices for building, engineering operations and land development and submit them fo...
The Minister may give to the National Planning Authority, in writing, general policy directives to be followed in the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers under this Act, and the National Planning Authority shall comply with those directives. ...
The Tobago House of Assembly and a municipal planning authority shall, on its own motion or in accordance with directions in writing from the National Planning Authority, prepare, and thereafter review as often as necessary and in any event at least once every five years, such regional,...
National Spatial Development Strategy (NSDS)
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Land-use planning has traditionally focused on the regulation and control of land. Spatial planning takes a wider, more inclusive approach. By addressing economic, social and environmental matters in an integrated way, it aims to balance and mediate between competing demands, seeking to achieve optimum use of the national space as a crucial resource.
Spatial planning considers all matters that influence, and are influenced by, the ways in which space is used. This includes, for example, transport and movement; health and health-care; education; employment; and, crime deterrence. By considering the interrelationships between such a wide range of factors, spatial planning can provide a key delivery mechanism for achieving sustainable development.
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Spatial Design is the process of shaping the physical setting for life in cities, towns, villages and rural areas. It is the art of making places and it integrates the design of buildings, spaces and landscapes into the use of such places.
The Tobago House of Assembly and a municipal planning authority shall, on its own motion or in accordance with directions in writing from the National Planning Authority, prepare, and thereafter review as often as necessary and in any event at least once every five years, such regional,...
The following functions are exercisable by a Corporation in the Municipality in addition to those already vested in it under this Act: (d) subject to any other written law, the maintenance and control of childcare centres established by the Corporation; (e) the construction and mainte...