Development Control and Planning Act No. 14 of 2000 (Cap 20.07).

The objectives of this Act are: (i) capacity building of all persons and organizations on land use planning for present and future generations; (ii) environmental and land use planning in urban and rural areas; (iii) efficient and equitable planning, allocation, distribution and development of land resources in accordance with the social, economic and environmental factors; (iv) conservation of cultural heritage; (v) community management in the development and planning activities; and (vi) improvement in the quality of life of all citizens. This Act sets forth provisions on the duties of the Minister and the Chief Physical Planner; the establishment, structure and duties of the Development Control and Planning Board; scope and preparation procedures of the development plans; designation and planning of protected areas; public participation; approval and modification or revocation of the development plans; management procedures for land development; procedures and principles of development permission; certification and registration of ownership; environmental impact assessment; application evaluation; development agreements; compliance with planning control; environmental protection with regard to the importance of preserving the architectural, cultural, historical or archaeological heritage; plant protection; building regulations; land acquisition; compensation; administrative procedures; offences and penalties. The Minister may make regulations for carrying into effect the provisions of this Act. This Act underlines that an environmental impact assessment is required for the issuance of development permission for certain listed activities. The list does not include aquaculture activities, but an EIA may be required for aquaculture upon the request of the Development Control and Planning Board.