Before any development of land begins in Trinidad and Tobago, the owner of the land needs to get Town and Country approval. While this has been the customary practice in the country, many people, especially new home and landowners, don’t know what the exact process is.
Here are some things to know:
What is Town and Country Approvals and Why do I need them?
Town and Country Approvals are needed for any type of development of land, this includes:
● Sub-division of land.
● Erection of new buildings or structures for any purpose (e.g. housing, shopping, industry, etc.).
● Additions or renovations to existing buildings or structures.
● Cutting, clearing, grading or filling of land.
● Mining operations.
● Construction of roads and drains.
● Changing the use of a building or land.
● Display of advertisement.
The first step of the process is obtaining “Planning Permission” from the Town and Country Planning Division of the Ministry of Planning and Development before anything takes place.
This is a required step by the Ministry to “ensure the optimal and efficient use of land, as well as to enhance the quality of the environment”. This authorization is required by law and any development that progresses without these permissions is subject to fines and legal penalties.
The ministry will evaluate factors such as:
● An aesthetically pleasing living environment.
● Adequate services to communities.
● Compatibility among various land uses.
● Privacy between buildings.
● Convenience and safety for pedestrians and vehicles.
● Fire protection, natural light and ventilation to all buildings.
● Recreational open spaces.
What is the Process to Get Planning Permission?
Prior to obtaining full planning permission, landowners first need an Outline Approval. This will inform an applicant, “whether or not the type of development proposed is consistent with existing land use policy and provides overall development standards applicable to the particular site.”
This step will help reduce the risk of any unnecessary future expenses in the preparation of plans and drawings for a development that may not be approved. To get this approved, the Ministry asks that you submit the following documents to the regional office of your area:
● Two copies of the completed Outline Application Form (TCP/3)
● Two copies of a location sketch with sufficient information to enable the site to be clearly and positively identified by a field officer. Information such as the plot number, postal address, number of the nearest light pole or mile mark, a prominent landmark, culvert and other similar information, will be useful on-location sketches.
● The numbered cadastral sheet on which the site is located (if available). Information on how to obtain a cadastral sheet (map of the location) can be located by following the 'Maps and Survey Control' link at the end of this section
● Copy of the deed or oldest and latest tenancy receipt and survey plan relating to the parcel of land to be developed.
Detailed plans or drawings are not required at this stage.
Application Form for the Outline Approval: PDF Printout
Regional Offices across the country: contact information web page
Once the application has been successfully submitted you will be given an acknowledgement slip. The Town and Country Planning Division will then send a Development Control Inspector to the site to collect any relevant information that pertains to the application. They will then submit an evaluation and report with your application for final approval.
You will then receive either a Grant of Approval or Refusal of Outline Planning Permission which will likely be sent by mail. The Ministry currently states that the Outline Approval can be obtained within a two-month period.
After this step, you can then move ahead with the Planning Permission application process which we will go more in detail within our next blog!
Stay tuned.
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