Werner Houson is a Physical Planning Officer in the Department of Planning with more than ten years experience. The Department also houses the Development Control Authority (DCA) - the authority which grants the approvals for all land and building development in St. Lucia.  With degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Environment and Natural Resource Management, a Masters in Coastal Engineering and also being part-time Developer; he takes us through the requirements, guidelines, challenges and offers recommendations to help make this mandatory step in the development process a lot more efficient, less frustrating and potentially save home-owners thousands of dollars!