2013_14 IDP Review.pdf - KZN Development Planning

12. Development proposalsThe conceptual framework as outline above is the basis for formulatingproposals for spatial development in the municipal area. The basis for the SDF starts by dealing with the natural structuringelements in the municipal area. These constitute pre-existingconditions in the municipality that largely dictate spatial form anddevelopment patterns because of the restrictions that theseelements often place on development. The natural structuringelements include physical barriers such as mountains, ridges, andrivers or natural resources such as conservation areas, mineraldeposits, and high potential agricultural land.Secondly, the framework considers the division between urban andrural environments through the identification and demarcation ofdevelopment focal points.The spatial development proposals subsequently address theurban and rural environments in terms of the nodes, networks,and surfaces that apply to those environments.Finally, the SDF considers movement networks that exist andconnect the different elements, and how this should bestrengthened to enhance the interaction between the variouselements. The SDF also deals with certain non-spatial issues such asfinancial sustainability and institutional capacity.In formulating guidelines and proposals for development, the approach isto focus on a few critical issues rather than identifying a plethora of issuesand needs. This means that, while taking into consideration current growthdynamics, it is better to make a few key development proposals that willfocus development energy to areas where agglomeration advantages canbe created and a difference can be made in the spatial structure asopposed to identifying every possible development opportunity and neverreaching critical mass with any of those.The identification of the elements in the planning areaPrinciples and guidelines for implementation and managementIt should be borne in mind that the Umzinyathi SDF remains a broadstrategic planning framework due to the large geographic space that itcovers as well as the District Municipality’s functional and institutionalrelationship with provincial government and local municipalities in terms ofpowers and functions. It cannot therefore make detail proposals forspecific areas. For that purpose, localised spatial development frameworksare more appropriate.The proposals for spatial development are covered in the sections below.The proposals are shown on the next map followed by guidelines for landuse interventions in terms of the SDF.In the rest of this chapter, each of the spatial structuring elements will bedealt with in terms of the following three aspects: General description and characteristicsDraft 2013/14 IDP Review Page 210Prepared by Umzinyathi District Municipality22 March 2013