Towards an understanding of the business perceptions of planning in Botswana

Abstract

There have been persistent criticisms that the planning system is failing to deliver timely decisions and determine planning applications in a sound manner. There is a widespread view amongst stakeholders that the planning system is far less efficient, with the consequent delays and uncertainties seen as disincentives to investors and developers. What is the nature and extent of this problem? What is the basis of these business perceptions of planning? This issue calls into question the economic value of planning. The paper explores the importance of improving the efficiency of the planning system through reducing unnecessary complexity in policy, plan-making and development control. The paper is premised on the supposition that choices planners make are fundamentally about questions of right and wrong, and good and bad. But the ill-defined quality of the problems which confront planners and the multiple interests affected lead to tensions and dilemmas as to the most appropriate choice of actions or values to endorse. Moreover, obligations and actions that are required are likely to be influenced by changing contextual circumstances. The paper therefore hopes to contribute to the debate of the planning system ability to deliver outcomes with regard to economic growth and productivity.