URP 110
TLAMELO MAROANE
Email: tlaxmaroane@gmail.com
Levels of Urban
Planning
Levels of Urban Planning entail the scale in which spatial planning is
done following particular protocols and frameworks. There are 3 main
levels of urban planning: National Planning, District or Regional
Planning, and Local Planning.
TM
National Planning
Planning at a national level is a coordinated process undertaken by a country to
facilitate and guide development at regional and local levels. This process
involves coming up with strategies, frameworks, policies etc., that address
various aspects of living areas e.g., infrastructure, land use, sustainability etc.
Importance of National Planning:
1 Orderly Development
Prevents chaotic and unplanned urban growth.
2 Economic Efficiency
Attraction for investment.
3 Social Equity
Access to essential services.
4 Quality of Life
Creating inclusive, livable and vibrant urban environments.
Examples of National
Planning in Botswana
The National Spatial Plan is a long-term, 20-year strategy to influence
the distribution of people and activities over Botswana’s territory. It
aims to articulate the spatial implications of the Vision 2036 and its 4
pillars, guide the formulation of sub-national spatial plans, and use
spatial planning to help coordinate the policies and initiatives of
sectoral ministries.
https://www.statsbots.org.bw/sites/default/files/special_documents/Vi
sion%202036_0.pdf
Regional/District Planning
Regional Planning focuses on addressing the unique needs, challenges and
opportunities of that region/district. District Planning is very crucial for
ensuring that local development aligns with national objectives whilst catering
to the specific characteristics of the region/district.
Importance of Regional Planning
1 Area Specific Solutions
Tailored approaches to address local issues.
2 Balanced Development
Promoting equitable growth across the region.
3 Improved Quality of Life
Enhancing living standards for residents.
4 Economic Growth
Stimulating economic activity and job creation.
Examples of District Planning
Examples of District Planning include
Southern District Integrated Land Use Plan
Urban Development Plan
District Development Plan e.g., Northeast District Development Plan.
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/26679865/district-intergrated-land-use-plan-ngwaketse-land-board
Local Planning
Local Planning focuses on the development and management of cities, towns,
neighborhoods within a region/district. It is done by local government
enterprises i.e., councils. Tools or instruments used to facilitate development
include the Development Control Code, Urban Development Standards, Tribal
Land Act etc.
Importance of Local planning:
1 Facilitation of Development
Guiding and regulating urban growth.
2 Promotes Sustainability
Using development instruments to protect the environment.
3 Fosters Community Identity
Creating a sense of belonging and shared values.
4 Improves Quality of Life
Enhancing the well-being of residents.
Examples of Local Plans
Examples of local plans include the
Gaborone Development Plan
Ramotswa Development Plan
Tlokweng Development Plan.
https://www.academia.edu/24507095/Ministry_of_Lands_and_Housin
g_Department_of_Town_and_Regional_Planning_Gaborone_City_Coun
cil_GABORONE_CITY_DEVELOPMENT_PLAN_1997_2021
Human Settlement Planning
Human Settlement Planning is a broad term used to describe the organization,
design and management of the physical and social environments in which people
live, work and interact. It encompasses planning for rural areas, urban areas as
well as peri-urban areas.
Key objectives of Human Settlement Planning:
1 Sustainable Development
Balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
2 Social Equity and Inclusion
Ensuring fair access to resources and opportunities.
3 Economic Viability
Creating a thriving and sustainable economy.
4 Resilience and Adaptability
Preparing for future challenges and changes.
Challenges of Human Settlement Planning
Challenges of human settlement planning include rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, resource constraints, and
social inequality.
Rapid Urbanization Environmental Degradation Resource Constraints
The rapid growth of cities puts a Urbanization can lead to pollution Limited resources can make it
strain on infrastructure and and habitat loss. difficult to meet the needs of
resources. growing populations.
Town/Urban Planning
Town/Urban Planning is the process of designing and managing the physical, social and economic development of towns/urban
areas. It involves drawing up plans/layouts and strategies that guide the growth of cities ensuring that cities are well organized,
functional and conducive to a high quality of life.
Key objectives of Town Planning are:
1 Orderly Development 2 Economic Viability 3 Social Equity
Ensuring a well-organized and Creating a thriving and Promoting fairness and access to
functional city. sustainable economy. opportunities for all residents.
Concepts to look into:
New Urbanism Smart City concept Biophilia/Green urbanism
New urbanism is a philosophy that The concept of a "Smart City" refers A concept that pushes for humans
advocates for the notion of live, to an urban area that uses digital to be closely related to nature. The
work and play in one area. The technology, data analytics, and concept has been expanded and
movement advocates for the intelligent infrastructure to improve applied in various fields,
creation of walkable, mixed-use the quality of life for its residents. particularly in architecture, urban
neighborhoods that emphasize The concept fosters innovation for planning, and design, where it
human-scale design, community the inhabitants of the city e.g., informs the creation of spaces that
interaction, and sustainable theme parks, public transit promote well-being by integrating
development. innovations, public access to data natural elements.
etc.
Challenges of Town/Urban Planning
Political and Social Resistance Limited Resources Balancing conflicting interests
It can be difficult to find a balance
New planning initiatives may face The government tends to not have
resources in surplus to cover for amongst the interests of different
opposition from various groups,
groups in a city.
town planning.
