The Master Plan

The Master Plan which Charles .M. Haar’s article focuses on this week is defined in simple terms as a document with general descriptions of the city for the future which is accompanied and supported  by plans, maps and charts covering aspects of the city including its streets, public buildings, utilities and open space all under zoning accordance. The modern day Master Plan in general is intended to guide development for the proposed city for at least 10 – 20 years  with the intention to guide local decisions on public and private uses of land , as the well as the provision of public facilities. It is a process that defines what is important about a place and how its character and quality can be conserved, improved and enhanced. In Canberra for example the ACTPLA Australian Capital Territory Planning and Land Authority prepares all master plans for Canberra currently focusing on future transport corridors and unused land adjacent to town centres. This is evident in the Canberra City Action Plan document 2010 – 2014 which outlines the intentions for the Civic area in terms of land were unused land along the Lake Burley foreshore is being proposed to be developed into residential and commercial developments as a priority for the coming years.

The Master Plan is used as a first reference to planner’s and is vital in assisting planners in creating specific plans of areas through six major contributions.

1.   As a source of Information.
2.   A program for Correction.
3. An estimate of the Future.
4. An Indicator of Goals.
5.  A technique for Coordination.
6.  And a device for stimulating public Interest.

The Master Plan’s main purpose and contribution however is that of mutual education that is the planner learns from people who are involved in the development of the plan which in turn leads to planning that meets the public interests. In terms of planning this is key as a planner’s role is to mediate with the public.

 Is 15-20 years too long for a master plan to guide planning decisions? This is a debatable question that I put forward to all you bloggers out there.