Lagos to developers: Don’t build estates without obtaining layout approval

THE Lagos State Government  warned developers across the state not to embark on estate development without obtaining layout and planning approval.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, handed over the warning when he led a special joint exercise to Epe axis where erring estate developers were served notices and requested to come forward to the relevant authorities to perfect their documents.

He said that under no circumstances should any developer go ahead and start the development of estates without obtaining layout approval,  Planning Permit, and Fencing Permit as may be required, adding that these requirements were to ensure the attainment of organised, livable and sustainable built environment.

He explained that the layout approval was required for the proper arrangement of the estate to give room for appropriate services and infrastructure while the planning permit addressed the planning requirements on individual plots in the estate.

He urged property uptakers and buyers to be weary of investing in estates without approval to avoid needless embarrassment from government officials or the risk of losing their property or investment to demolition as some of the estates springing up in the axis, especially those that might be encroaching on committed lands, were not approvable.

To avoid crisis he advised developers and buyers into estates to access the Planning Information service of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, for adequate information on the approvable development, details of the zoning arrangement and the height approval order for a given location.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning,  Engr. OluwoleSotire said that the staff of the  Office of Physical Planning were always ready to guide developers through the process, urging them to ensure that they get all required approvals before embarking on any project.

The General Manager, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Tpl. Kehinde Oshinaike implored property owners and developers to seize the opportunity provided by the 90-day Amnesty period on the Planning Permit for completed buildings to regularise their developments by obtaining Planning Permits on their existing buildings.

Areas visited for the exercise include Alaro City, Okorisan, Igbodu, Molajoye, Shaala, Ketu, and Epe, where notices were served on estate developments such as Patriot Bay Estate, Smart City Estate, the Legend and Hilton Royal Garden.

Others are Greenland Estate,  Legacy City, Isinmi Lagos, Dominion City, Topview Estate and Ibi Alafia, among others.

ALSO READ: FCCPC storms Abuja Chinese supermarket over claims of discrimination against Nigerians