One stop centre (OSC): Lessons on best practices in planning system delivery

Abstract

Malaysia has been experiencing rapid development since its independence in 1957, which has transformed its economic base from agriculture to industry. Rapid urbanisation has, itself, led to the continued rise of economic growth, and an acceleration of neoliberal market values. In turn, these have (re)shaped Malaysia's planning system. Certainly, planning systems have a role in contributing, often directly, to the country's needs and aspirations, particularly in the decision-making process. This effort is evidenced by the improvement of the planning system's delivery mechanism, known as One Stop Centre (OSC). The OSC was initiated by the Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government on the 13 th of April, 2007 to improve the planning system delivery and procedures at all local planning authorities by coordinating and shortening the approval process. However, relatively little is known about the effectiveness of OSC in the property development sector. Hence, this paper presents a synthesis of results on the effectiveness of OSC in other countries, with the objective of developing an understanding of how OSC rationalizes the success of the property development sector through its policies and planning practices. The knowledge of these theoretical situations serves as a basis for future strategic planning decisions, and as a guide in the planning system delivery of real estate development, particularly in the Malaysian context.