The Department of Planning has observed an alarming surge of unauthorized land-clearing activities within the Turks and Caicos Islands over the past year. Such activities are classified under the engineering operation category, which is defined in the Physical Planning Ordinance 2021 as “the removal of buildings or materials from the land, the leveling or grading of the surface of the land, the removal of vegetation, and the carrying out of such other operations.” Furthermore, in the Development Manual 2014, land/vegetation clearing is classified as a type of development called “earthworks.”
As a result, any form of land clearing requires the necessary Planning Permission before undertaking such development. In addition, Section 105 (2) of the Physical Planning Ordinance 2021 stipulates that failure to comply with this regulation will result in a fine of USD 5,000.00. Therefore, the Department of Planning strongly urges all heavy equipment operators to be mindful of this regulation and ensure full compliance.
The Department of Planning also wishes to advise that for optimal outcomes, it is recommended that the clearing process be confined exclusively to the development’s designated area (footprint). Such a practice shall guarantee the following benefits: (i) lowered expenses for the client regarding vegetation rejuvenation and landscaping, (ii) improved drainage efficacy and (iii) the preservation of the islands’ natural beauty and environmental sustainability.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Department of Planning at 338-4335 or visit our offices in Providenciales or Grand Turk. Let us collaborate and facilitate sustainable national development in the Turks and Caicos Islands through effective land use planning, optimally utilising our limited land resources.
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