A critical analysis of the incorporation of environmental issues into land use and planning instruments of selected municipalities of the Ehlanzeni District Municipality

Abstract

Sustainable development is achieved through the consideration of environmental, social and economic factors in planning and decision making. However, even though the environmental right contained in section 24 of the South African Constitution indirectly requires land use and planning instruments to incorporate environmental issues, developments approved by local authorities suggest that land use decisions at local level exclude environmental considerations. The main aim of the research is therefore to critically analyse whether environmental issues are incorporated in land use and planning instruments within selected municipalities of Ehlanzeni District. The research methods applied in the study include case study selection approach, document review, literature review and interviews. The research mostly identified areas of weaknesses within land use and planning instruments where environmental issues are incorporated to a limited extent or not at all. This compromises the quest for sustainable development since it was found that environmental issues are also consequently not incorporated in decision making. The research has revealed that reasons for not incorporating environmental issues in planning decisions is the lack of incorporation of environmental issues in land use and planning instruments and a lack of understanding and knowledge of the legal requirements regarding environmental issues. Alignment of land use planning tools with environmental legal requirements and tools, development of checklist, capacity building, and appointment of environmental officers and development of strategies for policy implementation are recommended measures to improve land use and planning instruments.