LASG harnesses land-use report for sustained environmental planning
By Owoleye Oluwakayode
The Lagos State Government has forged ahead with the plan to make the Land Use Planning and Analysis Report, otherwise known as LUPAR, an instrument for regulating the built environment.
Speaking at the technical training of town planners for effective adoption of LUPAR, held in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) and Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) at the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, said that Lagos State Government had successfully integrated the concept into the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority Regulations 2019 to harness the potential benefits of enhanced planning as well as sustained livability and orderliness in the environment.
His words: “Land Use Planning and Analysis Report (LUPAR) as stipulated in section 4 sub-section 2 (IV) and schedule II of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) Regulations, 2019, requires that a statutory document must be prepared and submitted by a registered Town Planner on behalf of an intending developer.”
He reiterated that the requirements of the Land Use Planning and Analysis Report include submission of three hard copies of LUPAR, sealed and signed by a registered Town Planner; a cover letter on the letterhead of the consulting Town Planner (signed, stamped and sealed) with evidence of registration with CAC and the Lagos State Procurement Agency; and submission of LUPAR by a registered Town Planner on behalf of the intending Developer, among others.
Salako urged town planners to view the novel idea with all seriousness as it would not only help assert their critical roles in the society but also revolutionise the profession when fully operational.
“We have the duty to ensure that it is effectively implemented whilst it is important to ensure consistent implementation with modifications where necessary,” he said.
He averred that with the adoption of LUPAR, developers and property owners could be properly guided on the viability (or otherwise) of a proposed building in relation to Zoning, Approval Orders and other related parameters.
Recall that in mid-2020, Commissioner Salako had communicated the State Government’s approval for the adoption and commencement of the Land Use Planning and Analysis Report (LUPAR) for various categories of physical developments in the State.
