Why Land Use Control Is an Essential Part of the Town Planning Process

Construction & Contractors Blog

For most ancient towns and cities in Australia, land development came first and planning came after. But today, planning has become an integral part of urban and regional growth in Australia. Because every community comprises individuals with universal needs, such as clean water, proper sanitation, clean air, recreational areas, etc. that will need to be met, no new town or city in the country can be developed without the intervention of urban/town planners. Land use planning is a critical part of the town planning process. It is one essential tool used to make sure the universal needs of communities are met in a sustainable manner.

Here is why controlling land use is crucial to developing sustainable towns and cities.

Preservation of important natural resources

In the past, most Australian towns and cities were developed without any laid out plan in mind, sometimes at the expense of natural resources, such as land. While human activities are restricted to land-use, other key natural resources, such as water and the air can also depleted or degraded due to bad human practice. Land use controls are used to regulate how land should be used so that agricultural land, natural habitats, tree cover, and water resources are preserved. These controls can also be used to ensure good air quality. For example, zoning laws may be used to ensure that industrial facilities are not set up in residential locations. This way, the residents of a town or city will be protected from air pollution that may occur due to industrial operations. Likewise, land use controls may be used to ensure that industrial plants do not release toxic substances into local rivers, lakes and other water resources. 

Ensuring optimal utilisation of the land

Not all land is the same in terms of quality. This means that not all land is suitable for performing specific functions. Through land use controls, town planners ensure that each parcel of land is utilised in the most productive way by matching land with compatible functions. For example, more extensive site development may be required to establish residential, commercial or industrial districts in environmentally sensitive land, e.g. steep slopes. Such land may be better suited for agricultural use because the crops grown will help hold the soil together and thus minimise soil erosion downhill. Generally speaking, the specific physical properties and general condition of the land affects its development options.

For more information, talk to a town planner.

9 May 2017