“Seminar on New Trends In Urban Planning And Development"

MIP-REHDA SELANGOR JOINT SEMINAR30th October 2008

“New Trends and Approaches in Urban Planning and Growth.”

byPn. Khairiah TalhaSecretary General

Eastern Regional Organization for Planning and Human Settlements (EAROPH)

www.earoph.info

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

• Urbanization Issues• Malaysia’s Urban Policies• New Trends and Approaches – The

Sequential Approach• Smart Growth Policies• What’s for Us?

Urbanization Issues

• Issues of Urban Sprawl & Sustainability

• Example: Sprawl In Johore Bharu & Klang Valley

Issues of Urban Sprawl & Sustainability

• Critics of sprawl argue that urban expansion encroaches excessively on agricultural land,

• leading to a loss of amenity benefits from open space as well as the depletion of scarce farmland resources.

• the long commutes generated by urban expansion create excessive traffic congestion and air pollution.

• growth at the urban fringe is thought to depress the incentive for redevelopment of land closer to city centers, leading to decay of downtown areas.

• by spreading people out, low-density suburban development reduces social interaction, weakening the bonds that underpin a healthy society.

(Brueckner, Jan, 2001).

Eg: Sprawl In Johore Bharu Built-Up Area Change, 1980 – 2000 (Johor Bahru District)

Years Change In Built-Up

Areas(Hectares)

Built-Up Area Annual

Growth Rate (1980-2000)

%

Population Annual

Growth Rate (1980-2000)

%

1980 10,747 5.52 5.04

2000 32,332.00

Source : JPBD, Report of Survey (Amendment) Johor Bahru Structure Plan Johor Structure Plan, 2000

• As the urban population in the district of Johor Bahru increased, most of the lands were developed.

• several factors: One is due to the building of highways, seaports, new townships and purpose-built shopping complexes.

• However, most of the populations who stay in the suburban areas such as MPJBT and Pasir Gudang are working in the centre of Johor Bahru.

• This has caused a high trip generation along the route heading to the city centre (MBJB area),- serious traffic congestion problems

1988 1990 1996 1994

1998 1999 2002 2004

Urban Built-up Area Morphology in Klang Valley

Who are these 5 million people ?

How will they earn a living?

How will they move around?

Where will their food come from?

Will there be enough water?

What energy source will they use?

How many can this landscape support?

What kind of culture will it become?

Can the future be planned?

In what form of city will we live?

Urbanization & Issue of Sustainability • Sustainability has become a central theme of our

environment, human development and resource use. • The central idea is that we should use resources in ways

that do not diminish them. • Concern about Impact of Climate Change – contribution

of transportation towards CO2 emission;• sustainable communities – looking after the places

people live and work, for example, by developing green, open spaces and building energy-efficient homes. (UK Government)

• Urbanization and the resulting urban sprawl has serious implications on the goals of achieving sustainability

• In Malaysia, concerns about sustainability in development and growth have been indicated in most of the planning at national, state and local levels

Malaysia’s Urban Policies

NATIONAL POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND

LEGISLATIVE PROVISION• NATIONAL PHYSICAL PLAN• NATIONAL URBANIZATION POLICY• FIVE YEAR MALAYSIA PLANS• THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1976• NATIONAL LAND CODE 1965• UNIFORM BUILDING BYE-LAWS 1984• STRATA TITLES ACT 1985• LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1976

NATIONAL PHYSICAL PLAN• NPP 2 - The planning of urban-based economic

activities shall adopt the concept of ‘Selective Concentration’ for strategic urban centres for all states.

• NPP9 – Urban Conurbations

• NPP 12 - The individuality and physical separation of the cities, towns and villages within the conurbations shall be maintained.

NATIONAL URBANIZATION POLICY

NoPolicy Statement

1 NUP 5 Optimal and balanced landuse planning shall be given emphasis in urban development:Measures:i.Ensure development is concentrated within urban growth limit so as to create a compact city;ii.Promote housing development within the urban centre or near to activity centres with access to good amenities and transportation;

2 NUP 6 Urban Development shall give priority to urban renewal within the urban area:Measures:i.Implement infill development at potential areas;ii.Identify and prepare an inventory of brownfield areas;iii.Plan and prepare the re-development programmes for brownfield areas;iv.Promote urban regeneration for areas potential for development;v.Rehabilitate polluted areas prior to development;vi.Establish an agency responsible for planning and managing urban renewal;Encourage private sector involvement through the provision of incentives and joint venture programmes with the government.

3 NUP 15 An integrated, efficient and user-friendly public transportation system shall be developed.Measures:i.Prepare a public transportation master plan at all levels of urban centres;ii.Integrate public transportation system in landuse planning by implementing the concept of Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1976

• The National Physical Plan

• State Structure Plan

• District Local Plans

• Special Area Plans

• Comprehensive Regional Plans

State Structure Plan

Item Statement in Plan and Reference

1 Page xvi – Sectoral Policy: DS 19Giving priority to comprehensive infill development in the main towns and other main centres.

2 Page 2-28 – Directions of Growth – 2.5.9 (i)Towards More Sustainable Land Use:“……It is estimated that there are 4,500 hectares of land within existing town centres that has the potential for development. Therefore, any applications for planning permission shall only be considered for priority development areas that have been identified….”

3 Page 3-3, Land Use Strategic Plan – 3.3.1Priority Development Areas“…..are already built up areas. For these areas, the objectives are to optimize land use and existing infrastructure….”

Penang State Structure Plan – Contents related/implied with Urban / Town Centre Development

4 Page 4-10, Policy DSU7 – The development of Land until 2020 shall optimize priority development areas as well as new areas to be identified.

Policy DSU7 – L2Encourage integrated infill development, urban renewal, redevelopment and adaptive reuse in town centres, dilapidated areas, abandoned areas, unproductive areas, and areas outside of heritage zones.

Policy DSU7 L3Encourage high density developments on the island especially in areas along transport (monorail) routes,….”

Policy DSU7 L4Giving emphasis and priority of development into built up areas through the Sequential Approach, as follows:Giving priority to development in areas of Rank 1 with focus on existing built up areas that have public transportation and infrastructure facilities;Giving priority to Rank II built up areas and new areas that have transportation and infrastructure facilities …..”

Policy DSU7 L6“Encourage high density infill development along the monorail transport routes……”

Policy DSU7 L7Land use planning shall be integrated with traffic planning , planning for public transportation and social planning.

5 PAGE 4-51, DS 18-Commercial floor space shall be identified based on the hierarchy of centre;

DS1 8 L2Targetted commercial floor space needs by 2020 in identified centres of hierarchy (followed by a table on the allocation by hierarchy of centres)

Page 4-51, DS1 9Giving priority to infill development in main town centres and other identified centres;

DS1 9 L1“…feasibility studies to determine the scale and distribution of commercial floor space;….”

Page 4-52, DS1 9 L2To offer commercial floor space based on demand to avoid over supply

DS1 9 L3To implement commercial development through infill

DS1 9 L4Allowing and encouraging the change of use of buildings

New Trends and Approaches

The Sequential Approach• The Sequential Approach in planning and development

has been in practice in the UK since 1996 • a technique towards sustainable development.

• It is a method of monitoring physical development and in the planning system and process,

• ensures that physical development meets up with demand.

• The approach also ensures that “brownfield” sites as well

as previously developed sites, be given priority for development, over “greenfield” areas.

• Thus, urban sprawl is minimized,

Basic Principles of Sequential ApproachBasic Principles of Sequential Approach

1st preference

2nd preference

3rd preference

4th preference

• there is no oversupply in development products (housing or commercial floor space), and existing infrastructures are fully utilized.

• emphasis has been given to a plan-led approach to promoting retail, leisure and employment development.

• It establishes a Sequential Approach …”with preference to Town Centre locations, then edge-of-town centre and finally out-of-town centre. PPG no.6, UK

• maximising the use of “brownfield” sites and the conversion/re-use of existing buildings;

• accessible by a choice of means of transport.

OBJECTIVES OF SEQUENTIAL APPROACH

• saving the countryside by making towns and cities more attractive places in which to live;

• and it makes the best possible use of previously developed land;

• more sustainable environment and more sustainable communities;

• economic and social consequences of urban decay reduced; the quality of the urban environment and urban life increased, encourage people to live and work in city centres;

Criteria Required For Implementation of the Sequential Approach Political will. Incentives Availability of an integrated public transport

system Clear implementation and execution

strategies that are transparent and readily available for the public

A sound and comprehensive data base to manage and monitor the implementation

Prospect of the Sequential Approach to Malaysia• The Sequential Approach alone may

not be sufficient to manage urban growth and avoid sprawl

• The Approach may be an inadequate tool for cities of different sizes, history and urban growth morphology;

Smart Growth Policies• Planning concept and practice popular in the

US since late 1980s

• Part of new urbanism movement, looking at alternative of suburban sprawl

• Antithesis of urban sprawl – promotes center city growth, compact transit-oriented urban form, mixed use development with range of housing and transportation choices.

PRACTICES OF SMART GROWTH

• Strategic Planning• Self-contained communities• Maximize accessibility and trnsportation

options• Create walkable neighborhoods• Encourage quality, compact, attractive

communities with a strong sense of place• Encourage a mix of housing types and prices • encourage transit oriented development• Concentrate activities and avoid over-

restrictive zoning• Preserve open space

Strategic Tools and Mechanisms1. Urban Containment Boundaries2. New Urbanism (transit Oriented

Development, Compact Cities, )3. Agricultural Land Reserve4. Brownfield Development & urban

revitalization

5. Development Cost Charges6. State and Local Governments’ Assistance in

Attracting private investments7. Integrated Planning Management Approach8. Community Support And Participation In

The Development Process and Livable Communities

1. Urban Containment Boundaries (UCB’s)• Lines drawn on planning maps that divides urban land and

rural land• UCBs prevent low-density rural and surburban sprawl and

encourage orderly development • Growth is channeled and energized into areas which are ready

for development in terms of infrastructure, people and demands.

• The use of UCBs can assist in reinforcing and protecting prime agriculture lands as well as environmentally sensitive areas

2. New Urbanism (Transit Oriented Development & Compact CITIES -PRINCIPLES

New Urbanism Transit Oriented Development Compact City

i. Walkabilityii. Connectivityiii.Mixed-Use & Diversityiv. Mixed Housingv. Quality Architecture

& Urban Designvi.Traditional

Neighborhood Structure (Discernable center and edge, Public space at center, Importance of quality public realm; public open space designed as civic art),

vii. Increased Densityviii. Integrated Transportationix. Sustainability and

the Quality of Life

i. Locate new development and major generators of traffic (transits such as railway station) where they could be accessed by means other than private car (i.e. train, commuter, etc.)

ii. Restrict parking provision.iii. Protect and strengthen existing local centres.iv. Maintain and improve choices for people to walk, cycle or

catch public transportv. Transportation expenditure must emphasize on facilitating

economic activity rather than aiming to generate jobs and investment.

vi. Provision of new and improvements of transportation infrastructure must be safe, convenient and affordable to most daily needs, including employment, education, shopping, personal services and recreation.

vii. Transportation decisions designed to support land use and economic objectives as opposed to relieving short-term congestion problems;

viii. Encourage public participation on any TOD development planning

ix. Urban development must be guided by ideas of compact, mixed landuse, infill and redevelopment within mixed-use neighborhoods (brownfield development),

x. Within a compact development, all the facilities such as library, sport complex, school and community hall are to be located in the center of the community to reduce the need to travel

xi. Use a system approach to environmental planning by channeling development into areas that are already disturbed. All lands classified under environmental sensitive areas need to be preserved through the establishment of buffer zones.

main characteristics: Central area

revitalization High density

development Mixed use

development Services and facilities:

hospitals, parks, schools, leisure and fun

Policies of the compact city involve:

the promotion of urban regeneration,

the revitalisation of town centers,

restraint on development in rural areas,

higher densities, mixed-use development,

promotion of public transport and the concentration of urban development at public transport nodes

3. Agriculture Land Reserve (ALR)• The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) is a zone in

which agriculture and its related activities are recognized as the priority use.

• ALR emphasizes preservation of agriculture land or

open space within the UCBs where it is critically required in order to achieve sustainable growth;

• Implementation of the ALR requires strong and effective policies and smart bylaws to enable the local government to exercise the power in enforcement;

• It requires transference and efficient collaboration among related agencies; especially the Department of Agriculture and Local Authorities.

4. Brownfield Development and Urban Revitalization

• move towards revitalizing cities through the use and re-development of brownfield lands;

several principles:

• The desirability and benefits of walkable cities, compact, mixed-use, mixed-income, racially diverse, livable urban cores and neighborhoods ;

• Creation of a safe and healthful environment where people live, work, and recreate;

• Encouraging retail businesses and service providers to stay or locate within the urban communities where their customers live;

• Accessible transportation alternatives towards

economic development, in reducing traffic congestion, and in minimizing parking;

• Unlock the value of vacant, abandoned, and/or underutilized property in older cities;

• Preservation of the unique character of a community’s historical, cultural, artistic, architectural, and natural resource assets.

• The state should support the location of public offices and facilities in urbanized areas consistent with local development plans and compatible with existing land uses to stimulate economic activity,

• encourage private reinvestment in city centre areas, make optimum use of existing infrastructure, decrease sprawl, and increase accessibility of government services;

• Developing state incentives for constructing new schools and renovating schools within existing town centers and encouraging shared use of sports facilities;

• Support other public investments in town centre areas , including the siting of facilities by local governments and federal agencies such as the construction of new facilities within cities or established town centers that have adequate existing infrastructure.

5. Development Cost Charges• The Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (PartV) in which a

charge is imposed on new development projects to raise revenue;

• Revenue shall be used to finance the provision of infrastructure cost to accommodate urban growth;

• The charges imposed may vary from place to place depending on the condition and capacity of the existing infrastructure, the location of proposed development, the type of landuse, and the characteristics of development project;

• The DCC may be lower for infill developments, brownfield and higher density developments

6. State and Local Governments’ Assistance in Attracting private investments

• National and State Governments must lend support

• Capital Investments in public transportation infrastructure are heavy but absolutely vital

• Encourage brownfield development through

various financial incentives.

7. Integrated Planning Management Approach

• Integrated planning may be defined as a combination of policy making, administration of physical planning and development, funding and research, and monitoring;

• Integrated planning management aims to consolidate all related group of expertise to achieve smart growth strategies at all government administrative level (i.e. national, regional and local government);

• Needs a strong collaboration of multidisciplinary organizations that work together as a single team (task force);

8. Community Support And Participation In The Development Process and Livable Communities

• Citizen participation in development process provides a source of special insight, information, knowledge, and experience gained (may not be seen by others) through discussion and representative of citizen consensus;

• Promotes dignity and self-sufficiency within the individual;

• It taps the energies and resources of individual citizens within the community;

• In the USA and European nations, public participation is well advanced with high degree of awareness;

• Almost all of the plans rest on a clear statement of principles or values that the community as a whole wants to preserve, to improve and to enhance;

CRITERIA FOR IMPLEMENTATION• Strong political support;• Integration and Coordination amongst all

ministries, agencies • Capacity Building• Stakeholders involvement and

participation

SUCCESS OF SMART GROWTH• Many cities in the U.S. have adopted smart growth concept and strategies;

• Most successful cities are Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada).

• In Portland, population growth much higher than increase of built up areas;

• Also adopted in Australia;

• Smart growth is more comprehensive, more sensitive to economic and market factors and may be suitable for Malaysia;

Integrated Development – A Urban Farm in Osaka, Japan

A community Urban Farm, The SkyGarden Tower, Osaka

WHAT’S FOR US?

The Malaysian Context• Growth in the suburban areas outside of the traditional city

centres in Malaysia occurs due to the new economic activities

• It is imperative to understand that new towns will continue to exist and prosper due to continued demand

• Any strategy to contain this sprawl must take cognizance of the facts that in the current economic and urban development, other centres will continue to mushroom outside the city centre.

• Any policy and strategy that favor only the city centre without

understanding the pull factor of new growth centres in the suburbs are unlikely to have a great impact in containing urban sprawl

• Smart Growth does not concentrate development in existing city centre only but allocate growth to other suburban centres and rural areas as well

Community Support &

Participation

State & Local Incentives and

AssistanceIntegrated Urban

Management

Development Cost Changes

Urban Containment Boundaries

(UCB)

Sequential Approach

(SqA)

Agricultural Land Reserve

(ALR)

Urban Revitalization &

Brownfield Development

New Urbanism

INTEGRATED SUSTAINABLE

URBAN GROWTH (ISUG)

A systemic integrated approach to A systemic integrated approach to sustainable urban management ?sustainable urban management ?

REDEVELOPMENT ON BROWNFIELDS, KL

MELBOURNE’S INNER CITY RESIDENTIAL REVITALIZATION

OBJECTIVESThe Integrated Systemic Urban Growth Approach intends to do the following:

• Create more self-contained communities so as to reduce average trip distances, and encourage walking, cycling and transit travel, by locating a variety of compatible land uses within proximity of each other.

• These measurements can work together with the increase in development density within walking distance (0.25 to 0.50 miles) of high capacity transit stations and corridors, and the provision of high quality pedestrian and cycling facilities in those areas.

• approach can also help foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place.  

• Areas of high ecological and recreational value can be free from development pressures especially when development priority is channeled towards areas that are already built up

• A strategy towards urban sustainability

The Future doesn’t just happen - it has to be designed

THANK YOUfor your attention

KHAIRIAH TALHAsecretariat@earoph.info