Map of Montserrat- photo by Physical Development Unit
(GIU) – A vision for Montserrat’s physical development over the next ten years is to be released on Monday, October 24 at the start of a 60-day consultation to garner public feedback.
IMC Worldwide Ltd. is the UK-based consulting firm which has been managing the development of the Physical Development Plan (PDP) 2012 to 2022. Vidya Naidu, Social Development Consultant for IMC says “In one way or another everyone on the island will be affected by the content of this plan – it sets out what development needs to happen and where it should go.”
The PDP maps out the government’s vision for developing the North of Montserrat and provides a framework to help deliver the goals set out in the Sustainable Development Plan, addressing issues such as pressure on land, limited resources and infrastructure development.
Franklyn Greenaway, Head of the Physical Planning Unit (PPU) which is managing the plan’s development says “the PDP seeks to find a balance between promoting residential and commercial growth in Montserrat while making sure that environmental resources are protected and the risks of disaster, such as hurricanes, are minimised.”
It will look to manage different pressures on land, resources and infrastructure while ensuring that everyone in Montserrat has access to adequate housing, services, community facilities, recreational facilities and the like.
“The PDP will also help to preserve Montserrat’s important ecology and natural resources and beautiful vistas as well as its built heritage. These are important not just for maintaining a high quality of life for the island’s residents, but are central to defining Montserrat as a place that will attract visitors and returning Montserratians,” explains Naidu.
Arial view of Little Bay- photo by TMR
Both Greenaway and Naidu stress that the plan was important to every resident and they should become familiar with the plans by taking part in the 60 days of consultation. The local area plans have been updated and will be available online and at various locations around the island for viewing. These are subdivided as follows: Barzey’s; Cudjoe Head and Brades, (including Manjack, Baker Hill, Nixons, Banks and Shinnlands); Drummonds and Geralds; Little Bay, Carr’s Bay, Rendezvous Bay and Davy Hill; Lookout; Salem (including Frith, Flemmings, Happy Hill etc); St John’s (including Dick Hill and Mongo Hill); and St Peters (including Providence and Virgin Islands).
During the public consultation period, from 24th October to 22nd December 2011, everyone in Montserrat and its Diaspora will be able to review the draft PDP and make representations to the Planning and Development Authority (PDA). The public is invited to send an email, post a comment on the PDP website or even drop by the Physical Planning Unit or the Library and use the PDP feedback ‘drop boxes’. All representations will be treated in confidence and can be made anonymously.
All representations will be evaluated by the PDA in early January 2012, which will decide on any amendments are to be incorporated into the updated PDP 2012-2022.
Small sample below of information being circulated in Leaflets promoting the Consultation and information
Local Area Plans (LAPs) have also been updated for the main residential areas including:
* Barzey’s
* Cudjoe Head and Brades, (including Manjack, Baker Hill, Nixons, Banks and Shinnlands)
* Drummonds and Geralds
* Little Bay, Carr’s Bay, Rendezvous Bay and Davy Hill
* Lookout
* Salem (including Frith, Flemmings, Happy Hill )
* St John’s (including Dick Hill and Mongo Hill)
* St Peters (including Providence and Virgin Islands)
