LAND USE & PLANNING DEPARTMENT
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF CUREPIPE
Address: Queen Elizabeth II Avenue Curepipe • Phone No.: (230) 6609776 • Fax No.: (230) 676 5054/676 5058
SENIOR STAFF MEMBERS:
HEAD OF LAND USE AND PLANNING OFFICER
Mr Sudesh JEETUN
BACKGROUND
The Council is responsible for deciding whether a development anything from an extension on a house to a new shopping Centre should go ahead. It also ensures that the right development happens in the right place at the right time benefiting communities and the economy. It plays a critical role in identifying what development is needed and where, what areas need to be protected or enhanced and in assessing whether proposed development is suitable.
Planning and development control is the process of managing the development of land and buildings. The purposes of this process are to save what is best of our heritage and improve the infrastructure upon which we depend for a civilized existence.
PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS (EXEMPT DEVELOPMENT) AND BUILDING AND LAND USE PERMIT (BLP) APPLICATION.
Some types of development may already be permitted, and for these there is no need to apply for a Building and Land use Permit (BLP). Exempt Development, however, typically subject to conditions and limitations that control development impacts. These conditions and limitations must be met in bringing forward any development in order for it to be lawful. If development proposed does not meet with the conditions and limitations of Exempt development then it is necessary to apply to the Council for Building and Land Use Permit.
The Council usually has up to 14 working days to make a decision on BLP applications, and up to 3 working days for BLP applications by small enterprises. Generally, once a BLP is granted, development must be started within two years. If work has not started by then, the applicant will probably need to reapply.
BLP applications have been split into 3 categories, mainly BLP1, BLP2 & BLP3. Further advice on the types of BLP application is available on the Building and Land Use Permit Guide.
The planning system is plan-led and any BLP application must be determined in line with the Outline Planning Scheme unless other material considerations indicate otherwise.
APPEALS
If the Council refuses to give a Permit or grants it subject to conditions, the applicant has a right to appeal to the Environment and Land Use Appeal Tribunal. The appeal shall be lodged within 21 days as from the date of the decision of the Council.
PLANNING ENFORCEMENT
The Land Use and Planning Department also provide planning enforcement services which are a vital part of the planning process. By identifying and tackling cases of unauthorized development, the enforcement process ensures fairness, stops unacceptable development and gives communities confidence in the system.
CADASTRE
Once a development is completed (normally for new construction), the owner should call at the Cadastral Unit of the Land use and Planning Department with relevant documents to have his/her property being assessed for general rate purpose. According to information provided by the owner a self-assessment form is filled in by the owner and sent to the Income Section of the Finance Department. The Finance Department generally send a claim within one week for payment of General Rate (Municipal Tax).
