Planning and Facilitation of Development Act No. 10 of 2014.

This Act lays down rules for the planning and development of land in an environmentally sustainable and socially equitable manner, as well as, protection of natural resources and cultural heritage. This Act shall apply to development acts including carrying out demolition, building, engineering, mining or other operations in, on, over or under any land, whether or not covered by water, and whether or not used for agriculture, forestry or aquaculture. This Act sets forth provisions on the establishment, structure, main functions and duties of the National Planning Authority; appointment of Development Control Committee and other standing committees; preparation procedures of the National Spatial Development Strategy and regional, local and other development plans; procedures for permission to develop land taking into account EIA; land development and building codes and permits; planning and development appeals to the Environmental Commission; and offences and penalties. In order to protect the environment and plant and animal species, the National Planning Authority shall take measures against erosion; flood; landslides; pollution of surface water, aquifers, land or the atmosphere; waste disposal; and abandoned, discarded or unlawfully deposited waste of any type. The National Planning Authority or a planning authority may at any time issue an order for the prevention, elimination or amelioration of the development hazard and restoration of the land or surrounding areas, including restoring (including re-vegetating) land to its state before the use or development. This Act underlines that land use plans shall show areas of land for agricultural, forestry, residential, industrial, institutional, recreational (including national parks), retail (including informal sector activities), office, tourism or commercial uses; conservation areas, environmentally sensitive areas, areas subject to development hazards, and areas of special interest; or areas where development may be premature or unacceptable having regard to lack of water or other services or facilities.