Planning Theory and Techniques MURP Sem I

Term Paper: Structure Plan Tarisha Mehta Roll No. 03 M.S.University, Vadodara.

Abstract: This paper describes about the structure plan prepared for the long term implementation and

elements of the same. This study is supported by various literatures and report made by different

governing bodies. Here the explanation is in reference to the various practices taking place in

different countries. It describes various common parameters observed while study and allows

one to understand what is structure plan?

Introduction:

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

- Benjamin Franklin

During our life time we spend maximum time for thinking or discussing on the matters

that have gone wrong in the past. That is important but if we do not spent our time for

planning intended for the future through learning lessons from past it leads us to a great

failure. Structure plan can be identified as one of the appropriate reaction to the above

mentioned line.

A structure plan is initial form of development plan required by United Kingdom planning

law. These plans set out strategic planning policies and form the basis for detailed

policies in local plans. Structure plans were first introduced by the 1968 Town and

Country Planning Act, as strategic level development plans, prepared either by a county

council or by local authorities working jointly together. They consisted of a broad

framework of policies looking forward up to 20 years ahead, supported by a "key

diagram" showing land use, transport and environmental proposals diagrammatically.

Structure plans were increasingly criticised in the 1980s and 1990s for the length of time

taken in their preparation and adoption, their often abstract nature, and for imposing an

unnecessary level of policy above the level of the local district council. This became

increasingly apparent with the establishment of regional planning conferences and the

development of Regional Planning Guidance after the mid-1980s.1

1 The Planning Model, Volume 3, structure plan guidelines, MAPLE and CERSGIS pg. 1,2

Planning Theory and Techniques MURP Sem I

Study and Understanding Structure Plan:

A structure plan provides long-term guide for changes to land use, buildings and public

spaces in a given activity centre. The process of developing a structure plan produces

both a framework – how the centre will develop – and the actions needed to realise that

framework. A structure plan will usually require an amendment to the Council planning

scheme as one of its implementation mechanisms. Here activity centres are the one that

provide the focus for services, employment and social interaction in cities and towns.

They are where people shop, work, meet, relax and often live. In Moreland, Coburg, has

been designated a "Principal Activity Centre," and Brunswick and Glenroy have been

designated as "Major Activity Centres" in the hierarchy of Melbourne's activity centres2

Structure plan comprises Plan and Report. The plan includes map or graphical and

diagrammatic representation of proposal thought for the future. The report includes

background studies, policies for the proposal, detailed description of the proposal along

with influential factors involved in decision making process, economic solutions and

implementation strategy. One can observe that worldwide different countries work with

these two elements but the way of representation varies as per the location, context and

type of plan.

Structure plan can be for a small city area or it can be for entire city and sometimes at the

regional level which is larger than a city depending upon nature of a project. Structure

plan includes identification of areas of potential urban development, environmentally and

ecologically significant areas, as well as areas in which elements of rural living and peri-

urban activities should be retained. The plan includes a regional road network to ensure

high levels of accessibility and public transport opportunities, in particular providing

strong links to activity centres.3

Structural plans are prepared for following: 4

1. Towns having rapid urban growth.

2. Urban settlements that are subjected to redevelopment as a result of changing

economic dynamics growth and employment. (e.g., the old dockland towns, or

towns where the main industrial base has collapsed or changed)

3. New towns or urban settlements.

4. Parts of towns, or ‘sectors’, where development is to be phased over time

5. Areas likely to be affected by major industrial, communications or other

development schemes (e.g. areas near planned new national or international

airport sites, inland ports etc.)

6. Areas proposed for major tourism projects and development including near

important heritage sites.

2 http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/building-and-planning/planning-policy/structure-planning/what-is-structure-

planning.html 3 East Wanneroo Structure Plan report , June 2010

4 The Planning Model, Volume 3, structure plan guidelines, MAPLE and CERSGIS

Planning Theory and Techniques MURP Sem I

Certain councils use structure plans as an input for calculating the appropriate level of

financial contributions or development contributions to be charged in areas subject to

development or redevelopment pressures.

Looking at the various structural plans key elements of the plan are Land use, Public

utility, Ecology and Environment, Movement and Access, Economy and Employment. All

these elements further include other subdivision which is discussed with an example in

the next topic of this paper. Also for all the key elements at the proposal level concern of

stakeholder is taken.

The involvement of stakeholders serves the purpose of ensuring that the plan reflects the

stakeholder’s needs but also that the stakeholders are aware of their obligation to invest

in the realisation of the plan. The key stakeholders need to develop their own

implementation strategies, financing concepts and process controlling systems. This is a

step-by-step as well as a participatory process. 5

Based on the Structure Plan, the Physical Planning Department or private developers or

other state institutions prepare detailed local plans, which comply with the Structure Plan.

The detailed plans prepared by the Physical Planning Department according to that the

phasing is proposed for the Structure Plan. The Physical Planning Department keep

record on maps, which includes all development proposals for land, on, above and below

ground. Thus when local plans are prepared and approved, these becomes important

data base and area of concern.

The Physical Planning Department make regular reports on the progress of the

implementation of the Structure Plan to the Statutory Planning Committee, (SPC).and

they evaluate the progress of the plan’s implementation against the Spatial Development

Framework and the MTDP and pass on recommendations for action by the full Assembly.

All technical Departments and Chairmen of Sub metros and Urban Councils have copies

of the approved Structure Plan. This enables them to assist the Statutory Planning

Committee to monitor the developments taking place in their area. Thus under the

guidance of various bodies plans are implemented.

The strategy and implementation varies at different places as per the priorities of the program.

5 The Planning Model, Volume 3, structure plan guidelines, MAPLE and CERSGIS pg. 10 to 13

Planning Theory and Techniques MURP Sem I

Understanding Structure plan through Example:

Further to understand structure plan this

section explains one of the structure plan

implemented at city of Maitland, Florida.

Maitland is a suburban city in Orange

County, Florida, United States, part of the

Greater Metro Orland area with population of

15,751 as per 2010 census. Maitland is one

of the oldest incorporated suburban

municipalities in central Florida. The area

was previously inhabited by Native

Americans. Maitland's "historical corridor" encompasses old residences still standing and

occupied in the Lake Lily-Lake Catherine area and extending through the central portion

of the city. The area has always been a vacation spot because of its climate, location to

theme parks and people. However, Maitland has recently become a location where

affluent individuals have come to reside.6

The Central Maitland Structure Plan sets out an ambitious vision, supported by key

strategies to guide growth and development over the next 20 years. The vision for

Central Maitland builds on the City’s existing strengths and aims to create a vibrant place

and reinforce its role as the Major Regional Centre, This plan recognises that Maitland

lies at the centre of the major growth corridor of the Hunter Valley. The city is sited at a

junction in the rail network, close to the motorway and close to Newcastle Airport.

Maitland stands in a similar relationship to Newcastle as Parramatta does to Sydney.

However Maitland and the Hunter have the opportunity to improve on the patterns of

Australia’s other metropolitan areas to become more sustainable and a more desirable

place to live and to do business.7

10 key strategies to support the vision for Central Maitland is shown below. These

strategies apply to the whole of the Central Maitland area.

1. Increase the Diversity of Activities in Central Maitland:

This strategy aims to enhance and

strengthen the vitality and vibrancy of Central

Maitland through the provision of a variety of

activities, including residential, community,

commercial and cultural uses. With the

increase in diversity and the range of

activities, a greater level of social interaction

can occur in Central Maitland which offers

residents, workers and visitors opportunities

to participate in community life.

6 American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.

7http://www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/UserFiles/File/PlanningDev/CityStrategy/Maitland%20Structure%20Plan%2

0Part%201.pdf

Figure 1 Location of Maitland

Figure 2 Potential location for residential commercial and cultural activity

Planning Theory and Techniques MURP Sem I

The strategy falls under the key element of land use distribution and creates an

opportunity to generate healthy and positive neighbourhoods.

2. Residential Led Recovery:

A primary strategy proposed by this

Structure Plan is to reverse the loss of

residential population and transform

Central Maitland into a “living community”.

Growing the residential community will

bring day-long activation; expand the

walking community; support local

businesses and vitally strengthen

stewardship of the neighbourhoods,

leading to better utilisation of the already

existing infrastructure (i.e. public space, railway) Therefore the Structure Plan proposes a

target of minimum 3,700 additional residents (1,700 dwellings) by 2030 to be adopted.

This target is to carry into all other relevant policies (Maitland Settlement Strategy,

Maitland Centres Strategy, Lower Hunter Regional Strategy).

The strategy falls under the key issue of Land use and it encourages the place to

become a lively neighbourhood.

3. Protect and Promote the Heritage

Character in Central Maitland:

This strategy seeks to capitalize on

Central Maitland’s competitive

advantages: its rich and varied urban

fabric, its historic buildings and

institutions, its transport infrastructure

(road and rail), its natural and rural setting,

the Hunter River and, crucially, the people

and businesses that make up its

community. These factors combine to give

Central Maitland qualities that cannot be

reproduced in a new centre.

This allows a renewal of the center along with valuing its heritage and culture.

4. Strengthen Three Distinct Nodes:

The aim of this strategy is to strengthen three activity nodes as a priority. The

development within the three main activity nodes will act as a catalyst for development

adjacent and between these nodes. These nodes are:

Figure 3 Potential location for residential growth

Figure 4 Locations with Potential Heritage values

Planning Theory and Techniques MURP Sem I

(1) The intersection of High Street and

Church Street;

(2) The civic precinct on High Street near

James Street and

(3) The Maitland train station precinct. Each

has existed and functioned in a similar way

for more than a century.

In recent decades however each of these

nodes have failed to thrive or have declined.

The Structure Plan recognises these

important nodes and establishes strategies to

foster their sustenance and growth.

Such nodes allow more public interaction through various activities and enhance

the idea of healthy society.

5. Consolidate Arts, Cultural and

Educational Opportunities:

This strategy aims to retain Maitland as a

competitive city in the 21st century, by

attracting the “creative class”, those

creative people who help the city’s

economy to be innovative and adaptive to

changing global conditions. Cities also

ought to create those conditions which

encourage its residents to become

creative. Central Maitland has a great

potential to build upon its important civic

functions and inherited built form of

unique cultural significance as a basis for becoming a leading creative city.

This creates opportunity to develop a sensitive and creative community.

6. Consolidate Government Function

and Civic Identity:

This strategy aims to strengthen Central

Maitland as the focal point of governing

and civic leadership. Participation in local

governing is a fundamental privilege of all

citizens, offering each willing person a

stake in the future of Maitland, how it

grows and how we evolve as a

community. With the continued increase

of residents moving into Maitland and the

continued diversification of the population,

it is critical that Central Maitland continue

Figure 5 Location of District nodes

Figure 6 Potential area for art cultural and educational activity

Figure 7 Locations for civic identity

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to be a civic icon and the place for effective governing of our City and local community.

This strategy involves participation of public which again enhances the socio-

cultural value of society.

7. Improve Access, Circulation and Way

Finding:

Major strategic measures are required to

improve the experience and movement

through the town centre. Improve way-

finding in the city centre by establishing a

clearly legible street hierarchy; promoting

views and vistas; providing consistent

signage and slow vehicular speed in the

city centre; Promote sustainable transport

modes through the improvement of the

pedestrian and cycle environment in the

town centre and links to public transport;

Improve quality and frequency of train and bus services.

This comes under the key issue of access and connectivity and that attracts more

people to the place.

8. Organise Car Parking:

The aim of this strategy is to reduce car

dependency and dominance of vehicles

in Maitland without adversely impacting

the vitality and vibrancy of the area. The

Structure Plan proposes a strategic

change in the placement and operation

of car parking in Central Maitland. This

will see public car parking located at the

entry points to the city. This will provide

the dual benefit of reducing the distance

that cars are drawn into the centre in

search of parking spaces, while freeing

up the limited developable floor space in the city core for high-value uses. This ‘gateways

parking strategy’ will be combined with the wider circulation strategy that sees: the only

cars in Central Maitland should be those that have a destination in Central Maitland. This

environment of reduced traffic congestion will allow the raft of other initiatives set out in

the Structure Plan Framework to be implemented. Car parking location plays an

important role in integrated transport and land use planning and place making in the

Maitland centre.

9. Enhance the Connection with the Hunter River:

The creation of quality open spaces along the Hunter River will provide opportunities for

passive recreation and reconnect the river to the advantage of residents, visitors and

workers in Central Maitland. By better engaging the banks of the Hunter River,

Figure 8 Connection between river and hinterland

Figure 9 Potential locations for public parking

Planning Theory and Techniques MURP Sem I

connections between the City and this

impressive natural asset will be revealed

and a unique and active space for

community life and recreation on the south

bank will be created. The redevelopment

of Riverside properties with dual frontages

to address both the river and High Street

will improve passive surveillance and

create a well integrated pedestrian

network.

10. Create a Safe and High Quality Public Realm:

This strategy aims to strengthen the vitality and vibrancy of Central Maitland with spaces

and places that offer visitors an exciting, memorable experience. With an increased

diversity of people, participating in a range of activities, the provision of a high quality,

interesting and safe public realm in Central Maitland aids greater social interaction

offering residents, workers and visitors

opportunities to participate in community

life and build a strong identity and

relationship with Central Maitland.

The public realm is a shared resource and

the provision of an interesting, high quality

public realm enhances the ‘everyday

experience’ for visitors. It also contributes

to further developing the distinct character

of Central Maitland, creating a strong

identity and a place that is memorable. The

creation of an interesting and safe public

realm is achieved when a combination of factors come together. This includes

landscaping and natural elements, a well maintained and clean public domain, lighting,

public art, places to sit and spaces to mingle and animate the public realm.

Conclusions: With the study of structure plan one can understand that the structural plan allows more

detailed study along with the public participation as one of the stakeholder. This way of

planning is more responsive to place, people and time with future considerations. As a

result one can overcome the recent and past issues faced by all of us. One can say that it

supports to the line given below:

“Think ahead don’t let day to day operations drive out planning”

- Donald Runsfeld

Figure 11 Locations for safe pblic Realm

Figure10 Potential location for river front developments