SPATIAL PLANNING Key Instrument for Development and Effective Governance

investors will support effective enforcement activity if the rules are consistently applied on the basis
of transparent policies and procedures.
The first task in relation to enforcement is to ensure that strategies, plans and regulations are not too
proscriptive, that they are “joined-up” across sectors, and that they are communicated in a clear,
concise manner to citizens and investors. Second, firm action must be taken on unauthorized
development. For example, this may require the demolition of buildings erected without appropriate
approval. This type of action will likely involve national and regional governments and must include
effective safeguarding measures to ensure that any action taken is both legitimate and proportionate.
Third, government must ensure that large unauthorized developments are evaluated thoroughly by the
constraints of the spatial planning system. In some countries this is called “re-urbanization”. It is a
task of retrospectively reviewing development in an effort to integrate sectoral interests in a
coordinated process of upgrading and service provision, so that these areas meet a higher standard of
sustainable development. It must be made clear that although this process is a valuable tool, it does not
necessarily ensure that such developments will meet such standards.
5.9 Environmental assessment
Environmental assessment is a systematic approach to measuring the environmental impacts of
development projects. Strategic Environmental Assessment, the environmental appraisal of
development plans and programmes measures the sustainability of development projects. In some
countries, environmental assessments link economic and social implications of projects or plans with
the physical effects that the development project is likely to have on the environment.
In any of these forms, environmental assessment is an important tool for policy integration. It can help
verify if plans and programmes are in conformity with each other, and particularly with national
sustainable development objectives. Environmental assessment and strategic environmental
assessment are now common practice for development projects, plans and programmes in several
UNECE countries. Much guidance has been published on how to conduct these processes in ways that
ensure that they are an integral part of the decision-making process and not an afterthought to meet
requirements. Some countries have adopted environmental compensation techniques that encourage
development to proceed in a more sustainable way. It ensures that all significant development meets
the environmental costs it imposes, by requiring compensating environmental investment so that the
net overall effect is neutral, if not positive.
The environmental assessment process for projects requires significant expertise, resources and data.
However, the general principle of evaluating environmental impacts could be adopted in simpler
forms using professional judgement. Where there is uncertainty about impacts or where there are
questions that require more detailed assessment, the precautionary approach should be adopted. That
is, development with potentially significant adverse environmental consequences that cannot be
compensated should be avoided or diverted. Some countries have successfully taken up the general
appraisal approach and apply it to smaller more routine developments through simple checklists.
Developers can contribute significantly to the environmental assessment process by providing
expertise, information or resources for the evaluation.
5.10 Economic instruments
The purpose of spatial planning is to contribute to the delivery of the outcomes required by society –
more robust local economies, more sustainable development and a better quality of life. Planning can
help accomplish these goals by creating and focusing investment interest, improving and safeguarding
26 Spatial Planning - Key Instrument for Development and Effective Governance