Government sets guidelines for hillside developments

Housing in an exclusive hillside development in northern Trinidad

The Trinidad & Tobago Planning Minister told reporters Thursday Cabinet has agreed to approve guidelines for hillside developments. 

Speaking at the weekly post cabinet media briefing Dr. Bhoe Tewarie said the guidelines will apply to developments in the Northern Range and other areas.

He also confirmed that Government is preparing a land use policy to protect the Northern Range and other hillsides in country.

The Minister explained some of the details:

• All areas above 700 feet will remain under forest cover
• Areas between 300 and 700 feet with land capability classifications from 5 to 7 will also remain under forest cover
• Areas between 300 and 700 feet with land classifications from 1 to 5 will be devoted to agriculture at various intensities
• However the minister noted that developments that already exist and have been granted approval, will be allowed to remain if they conform with approval requirements. He said the government will honour the commitments but will not allow further expansion.

"Unauthorised development outside the Policy will be inspected and evaluated and a determination will be made as to whether it will be regularised as it is, or whether people will be asked to relocate," Tewarie said.

He outlined the issues to be taken insto consideration as health, safety, environmental, as well as ground water protection and regeneration for our the country's water system.

An Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee is involved in this new policy. He said it comprises:

• Town and Country Planning
• The Ministry of Local Government
• The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure
• The Forestry Division of the Ministry of Housing and the Environment
• The Commission of State Lands
• The Environmental Management Authority
• The Land Settlement Agency