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(1) The framework for spatial planning in the country comprises

(a) the National and Sub-National Spatial Development Framework covering the entire country or a part of the

country including marine space, where the context requires;

(b) a Regional Spatial Development Framework for each of the administrative regions of the country or Joint-Regional Spatial Development Framework for multiple regions where appropriate or Sub Regional Spatial Development Frame-work covering parts of a region where the context requires; or

(c) District Spatial Development Framework for each district, or where appropriate, a Joint or Multi-District Spatial Development Framework.

(2) In furtherance of the National and Regional Spatial Development Framework and where available the Sub-National, the Joint Regional, Regional, Sub-Regional or District Spatial Development Framework, the following plans shall be prepared to guide physical development:

(a) a structure plan for each district, part of a district or multiple districts but a structure plan shall not be prepared unless that structure plan conforms to the criteria prescribed in Regulations made by the Minister under this Act or in the absence of Regulations, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Authority; and

(b) A local plan for each part of a district where physical development is taking place or proposed to take place and the local plan shall conform to guidelines issued by the Authority.

(3) The Spatial Development Frameworks and Plans shall have as their key goal the general improvement of the quality of life in the country.

(4) A Spatial Development Framework, a Structure Plan and a Local Plan shall be for the following periods:

(a) in the case of National or Sub-National Spatial Development Framework, twenty years;

(b) in the case of Regional or Sub-Regional Spatial Development Framework, twenty years;

(c) in the case of Sub-Regional Spatial Development Frame-work, twenty years;

(d) in the case of District Spatial Development Framework, twenty years;

(e) in the case of a structure plan, fifteen years; and

(f) In the case of a local plan, five years.

(5) A Spatial Development Framework and a Structure Plan shall be revised at the end of the period specified in subsection (4) or at an earlier date that the Authority may direct.

(6) Until the revised Spatial Development Framework is approved in accordance with this Act, the existing Spatial Development Frame-work shall continue to be in force.

(7) Despite subsection (5), a review session shall be held by the applicable entity every four years to determine changes that are required in the framework.

(8) Where changes are required, approval shall be sought from the approving authority before any modification is made except where the modification is envisaged or permissible under the approved framework.