Judicial Delineation of Local Government Spatial Planning Powers in South Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-9515/16988Keywords:
judicial delineation, local government, municipal planning, South Africa, spatial planning, SPLUMAAbstract
The indistinct division of spatial planning-related powers and functions in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, often leads to the overlap, conflict, and confusion of responsibilities between the national, provincial, and local spheres of government. Due to much uncertainty, municipal planning powers are a subject of massive intergovernmental contentions, coupled with an array of litigations. This article, therefore, examines the judicial delineation of local government spatial planning powers in South Africa. Through a critical analysis of relevant case law and legislation, particularly the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013 (SPLUMA), this study explores the tensions between local government autonomy and the national and provincial regulatory frameworks pertinent to spatial planning powers. The research reveals that the judiciary plays a pivotal role in shaping spatial planning policy, often balancing competing interests and constitutional imperatives. Accordingly, judicial recourse has delineated spatial planning powers and asserted the autonomy of municipal planning. The findings highlight the need for legislative clarity on the division of spatial planning powers, the importance of an integrated and viable co-operative spatial governance, professional development initiatives, a more proactive approach in judicial interpretation of spatial planning laws, and meaningful community participation in spatial planning processes, to cumulatively ensure that local governments promote equitable development. This study contributes to the ongoing debate on local government powers and spatial planning in South Africa, offering valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners.
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Cases
Adonisi and Others v Minister for Transport and Public Works Western Cape and Others; Minister of Human Settlements and Others v Premier of the Western Cape Province and Others [2021] 4 All SA 69 (WCC).
Body Corporate of the Overbeek Building, Cape Town v Independent Outdoor Media (Pty) Ltd and Others 2022 (4) SA 167 (WCC).
CDA Boerdery (Edms) Bpk and Others v The Nelson Mandela Municipality and Others 2007 (4) SA 276 (SCA).
City of Cape Town v Independent Outdoor Media (Pty) Ltd and Others (CCT 36/22) [2023] ZACC 17.
City of Johannesburg v Changing Tides 74 (Pty) Ltd and Others (SCA) [2012] ZASCA 116.
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality v Gauteng Development Tribunal and Others 2010 (6) SA 182 (CC).
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality v Gauteng Development Tribunal and Others 2010 (2) SA 554 (SCA).
Fedsure Life Assurance v Greater Johannesburg Transitional Metropolitan Council 1999 (1) SA 374 (CC).
Habitat Council v Provincial Minister of Local Government, Western Cape (2013 6 SA 113 (WCC)).
Lagoonbay Lifestyle Estate (Pty) Ltd v The Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning of the Western Cape & Others (320/12) [2013] ZASCA 13.
Maccsand (Pty) Ltd v City of Cape Town and Others 2012 (4) SA 181 (CC).
Maccsand (Pty) Ltd v City of Cape Town 2011 6 SA 633 (SCA).
Minister of Local Government, Western Cape v The Habitat Council (City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality Amicus Curiae) 2014 5 BCLR 591 (CC) (2015).
Swartland Municipality v Louw 2010 5 SA 314 (WCC).
Wary Holdings (Pty) Ltd v Stalwo (Pty) Ltd 2009 1 SA 337 (CC) 384D2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2989/CCR/2009.0013
Legislation
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
Development Facilitation Act 67 of 1995.
Land Use Planning Ordinance 15 of 1985 (Cape of Good Hope).
Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 117 of 1998.
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002.
National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998.
Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013.
Town Planning Ordinance 27 of 1949 (Natal).
Town-Planning and Township Ordinance 15 of 1986 (Transvaal).
Township Ordinance 9 of 1969 (Orange Free State).
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