the gauteng spatial development framework - Gauteng Online

It is not enough, however, to simply garner commentary. It would be the intention for anurban review panel to respond in a structured way on this blog site on a regularlydetermined basis. Such a group may, for example, be assisted by a core team of researcherswho would collate commentary from the various interest groups, analyse it, review it interms of the GSDF, and recommend responses. The urban review panel may then, nominallyon a two-monthly cycle, meet to consider the recommended responses and, with appropriateediting, amendment or rejection of recommendations, publish the proceedings of theirreview meetings back on the blog.An urban review panel will further ensure clear implementation of the GSDF, which couldbe a function of the Gauteng Planning Commission (GPC).The Panel would sit to review all levels of spatial development frameworks as set out in the'package of plans' with the emphasis, initially, on ensuring that all levels of frameworks areprepared on a consistent basis, using a consistent policy and language platform. Thereafter,the Panel would, on an annual basis, engage in a review of all frameworks and changesproposed. In doing so, the Panel would also consider and make recommendations inrespect of:• the GSDF as a whole; and• particular aspects thereof, such as the appropriate policy levels to achieve urbancompaction.THE NEED FOR AN URBAN REVIEW PANELSECTION 5: FRAMEWORK FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GSDFRegardless of legislation, policy documentation and the 'package of plans' proposed in thisdocument as an annexure, it should be noted that much of the urban management approachrelies on the interpretation of the spirit and intent of what is set out in the GSDF.This is obviously a vital aspect of urban management, but a far more important aspect,given the nature of the planning approach, is to ensure as far as possible, that the variouslevels of spatial development frameworks are harmonised with the GSDF as works inprogress. In addition, as important as it is to harmonise the various levels of spatialdevelopment frameworks, all major projects and planning initiatives, whether public- orprivate-sector based, need to be scrutinised to ensure that the intentions of the GSDF arebeing met.In order to achieve the above, it is proposed that an Urban Review Panel (URP) be established.This panel would be an advisory group which would make recommendations to the statutorilyconstituted provincial decision-making structures. It would be appointed, ideally on a 3-year basis, drawing on leading personalities in urban structure theory and practice dealingwith urban planning, urban economics, urban geography, urban transportation, urbaninfrastructure and urban management.73 GAUTENG SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 2011 GAUTENG GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY