Barbados Physical Development Plan 2023
The Physical Development Plan 2023 (PDP 2023) provides the national framework for guiding the orderly, sustainable and resilient development of Barbados. The Plan establishes a long-term vision for the island's physical development and provides policies and spatial guidance to inform decisions on land use, settlement patterns, infrastructure, environmental protection, transportation, housing, economic development, and the management of the country’s natural and cultural resources.
The PDP 2023 responds to changing circumstances and emerging challenges facing Barbados, including climate change, population and development pressures, the need to protect critical environmental assets, infrastructure demands, and the importance of creating sustainable and resilient communities. It provides a framework for balancing development needs with the protection and enhancement of the island’s natural environment, heritage, and other important national assets.
The Plan is intended to guide public and private sector investment and development and to provide greater certainty about the appropriate location, nature, and form of future development across Barbados.
History of Physical Development Planning in Barbados
Physical development planning in Barbados has evolved over several decades. The first Physical Development Plan was prepared in 1970 and took effect in 1976. This Plan provided the first comprehensive framework for guiding the island's physical development and orderly growth.
The Plan was subsequently amended in 1991 and again in 2003 to respond to changing development needs and national priorities.
The Physical Development Plan 2023 represents a new generation of physical development planning for Barbados. Unlike earlier amendments to the original Plan, the PDP 2023 has been prepared as a new Plan under the Planning and Development Act, 2019.
The PDP 2023 reflects the modern planning framework established under the Act and responds to contemporary challenges and opportunities, including climate change and resilience, sustainable development, environmental protection, housing and settlement patterns, infrastructure, economic development, heritage conservation and the management of Barbados' natural and cultural resources.
Key Areas Addressed by the Plan
The PDP 2023 provides policies and guidance on a range of national planning matters, including:
Sustainable development and climate resilience;
Land use and settlement patterns;
Housing and community development;
Protection of environmental and natural resources;
Agriculture and food security;
Heritage conservation and the protection of cultural assets;
Transportation, mobility and accessibility;
National infrastructure and public facilities;
Parks, open spaces and recreation;
Economic development and strategic investment; and
The form and character of the built environment.
A Spatial Framework for Barbados
The Plan establishes a spatial framework to guide future growth and development throughout the island. This framework identifies appropriate locations for different types of development and provides policies to support the protection of environmentally sensitive areas, agricultural lands, open spaces, heritage resources and other important national assets.
In addition to island-wide policies, the PDP 2023 includes detailed planning guidance for key communities and growth areas, recognising the particular characteristics, opportunities and challenges of different parts of Barbados.
Implementation
Effective implementation of the Physical Development Plan requires collaboration among Government agencies, statutory bodies, the private sector, communities, and other stakeholders. The Plan is intended to inform planning and development decisions, public investment, and other initiatives that influence Barbados's future physical development.
The Planning and Development Department will continue to play a central role in administering, monitoring, and implementing the Plan and ensuring its policies remain responsive to the country's changing needs.
Access the Plan
The approved Physical Development Plan 2023 is available for public access and should be used as an important reference for persons involved in development, investment, land use planning and the preparation of development proposals.
The Plan represents an important step towards achieving a sustainable, resilient, prosperous and well-planned Barbados for present and future generations.