THE DEVELOPMENT CONTROL SYSTEM

Abstract

The recurring theme of delay is difficult to evade in any discussion on development control. In fact, there can hardly be an aspect of the planning process which have been more argued over than delays in processing development applications. To some, delay in the development control process is inevitable because of the inherent nature of the system - technical and bureaucratic. Others trace the root of the problem of delay to areas of weaknesses in the system; by identifying and eliminating these weaknesses, an efficient and fast system of processing development applications can be evolved. The development control system in Singapore comprises a multiplicity of authorities with diffused responsibilities. There is strong ministerial control with very little delegation of power. The problem of bureaucratic red tape and delay in the development control system is thus almost inevitable. That the problem of delay exists cannot be disputed. An analysis of the workload and work done by the Development Control 3ranch reveals that backlogs for certain types of applications are common. Productivity is also well below targeted levels. The reasons for delay can be attributed to major weaknesses inherent in the system. The problem of delay can thus be eradicated by identifying and removing these flaws and weaknesses present in the development control system. However, unless the system is totally revamped in one single, swift move, piecemeal and ad hoc changes and improvements may create more work and confusion instead. The answer lies then in pinpointing the fundamental reasons for the weaknesses inherent in the system which result in delay. This will shed light on how best to revarrp the system effectively. The root of the problem of delay is traced to one important element lacking in the system - definitiveness. The solution can perhaps be gleaned from other development control systems which are more definite in nature. One such system that comes to mind is the Hong Kong system of planning and building approvals. If the features of the Hong Kong system, which make it the definite, simple and fast system that it is, can be successfully adopted into the Singapore context, a more efficient development control system can perhaps be introduced.