The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority has revoked the planning permit of a building under construction in Ikeja, Lagos.
The Commissioner for Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, gave this order at the resumption of the enforcement activities by officials of Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority at the Ikeja area of the state.
Olumide expressed displeasure at the building under construction at Issac John Street by Oba Dosumu Street, GRA Ikeja, whose developer was granted a 6-floor mixed-use construction by the authority but allegedly illegally added 2 floors to the ongoing construction.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, LASPPA, Abimbola Emdin-Umeh, the commissioner condemned the impunity of the developer, who after being served contravention notices on several occasions failed to approach LASPPA for clarifications.
While ordering the re-sealing of the building, he declared that the planning permit granted the structure was no longer valid and as such was not covered by LASPPPA.
He said, “The developer must meet all attached conditions for the property to be regularised or to remove the additional two floors illegally added before the building can be unsealed.
“In view of the illegal activities carried out at the aforementioned address, it is imperative to ensure that physical development activities are carried out with strict adherence to the extant physical planning laws and regulations of Lagos State.”
According to Olumide, the Physical Planning Permit Laws and Regulations of Lagos State 2019 as amended prescribe the revocation of a planning permit, to which the developer has developed more than the approval granted and has modified, altered, or added to the development without obtaining statutory documentation from the approving office.
While observing that illegal development has been a persistent issue in the state, leading to environmental degradation, congestion, and other challenges, Olumide maintained that by enforcing the Physical Planning Permit Laws, the government would be able to address these issues and promote sustainable urban development.
He added, “The government will not tolerate any violations of the laws and will take necessary actions against those who engage in illegal development activities.
“The Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development will work closely with relevant agencies to identify and penalise offenders.”
In addition to cracking down on illegal development, Olumide revealed that the government planned to streamline the process of obtaining physical planning permits as a way of ensuring that individuals and organisations easily obtained the necessary permits for their development projects, while still adhering to the regulations set forth by the state.
The commissioner reiterated the state government’s stance on illegal development and other contraventions to physical planning permit laws in the New Year.
He declared, “With the start of Y2024, the Lagos State Government is determined to crack down on unlawful development activities and ensure strict adherence to the physical planning permit laws, emphasising the importance of maintaining order and creating a safe and organised environment for all residents of Lagos.”
LASPPPA demolished many buildings constructed without approval in Lagos last year to stem the high rate of building collapse in the state.
