Contravention of Development Control Measures in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Development control is the process by which plans, developments and development proposals are ordered through the use of planning laws and regulations by planning authorities or planning agencies to secure sustainable developments and human settlements. In essence, development control is to ensure compatibility of various land uses in rural and urban areas. Upon this, development control regulations are often contravened that makes urban and rural settlements confronted with myriads of problems that affect man and his environment. This study investigates into the nature, extent and effect of development control contravention in Auchi, Edo State with the aim of proffering suggestion for improvement. To achieve this, primary and secondary data sources were employed. Head of the planning unit in the study area was interviewed; questionnaires were administered on developers/residents and field observation was carried out on physical structures to determine forms and level of contravention. The study found that developers contravened development control regulations, such as construction of building without approved building plans, violation of setback regulations, exceeding of plot coverage and others. Socioeconomic characteristics of respondents, absence of planning scheme and inadequate planning staff in Auchi planning authority account for these contraventions. Some strategies have been suggested for improvement.