Perfect your planning permit application to avoid delay, Lagos tells developers

By Dada Jackson

The Lagos State Government has called on property owners and developers interested in obtaining planning permit to perfect their applications to avoid delays as the process is clear and  seamless.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr  Idris Salako, dropped the hint during a chat with property editors in his office in Alausa.

Salako said that except for those that would like  to cut corners and make mischief, the requirements for planning permit were not cumbersome but necessary to regulate the built environment and give room for seamless development of the state.

His words: “Often times, delay does not come from the government but failure of developers to perfect their documents or get the necessary sign-off from relevant MDAs,  where applicable.”

The commisdioner pointed out that while the power to grant planning permit rested solely with the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), the sign-off of other Ministries Departments and Agencies such as Ministry of Transportation and Office of Drainage Service was necessary in some situations as development activities within the state revolved around many agencies.

“For example, LASPPPA will not issue permit to any development proposed along drainage alignment or road setbacks without clearance from the Office of Drainage Service and Ministry of Transportation respective,” he added.

According to him, other MDAs whose clearance may be required before granting planning permit are the Lagos Fire Service, the Police, Lands Bureau, Office of the Surveyor General, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Department of Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Lekki Concession Company, New Towns Development Authority and the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation among others.

He noted in order to further simplify the planning permit process, government had implemented some reforms and set Service Level Agreement of 28 days for processing the permit.

Salako said, “As part of the reforms, we have rapidly increased the number of supervisory directors and district officers and devolve planning permit approvals down to the level of district officers.”

He stated that efforts at streamlining the process had yielded positive results, among which is the fact that the 28 days Service Level Agreement had become more feasible with applicants getting planning permits within the stipulated time, adding that as of October, 1,726 permits had been granted for the year.

He urged those willing to fast-track their applications to take advantage of the Electronic Planning Permit platform or the fast-track option, which recognised the need of those who wish to quickly deliver on their project.

Concerning the insinuation of malfeasance in the built environment, he appealed for the cooperation of all in addressing wrongdoings in the sector by reporting through the helplines of the ministry and the Lagos State Citizens gate.