Abstract:

Development control is a tool or a regulatory process for implementing any physical Development Plan. The development of land is always in haphazard manner that no adequate spatial pattern can be derived. This paper examines the problem and challenges of development control in Abeokuta –West Zonal Planning Area. Primary and secondary source were used. Questionnaire and personal interview were both used. The area was divided into nine zones which are classified into three (A, B and C), one zone is selected under each category as the sampling frame for the research study. 267 buildings was selected across the categories of zones in the study area using systematic sampling method. The various data collected through questionnaires and the responses obtained from the interviews were presented and analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics. The findings revealed the challenges; lack of physical development guide, inadequate manpower, corruption and political interference/instability. However, regulatory measures were recommended for the improvement on development control practice in the study area. These include: provision of framework as guide for physical development; effective public awareness and enlightenment programmes; adjustment of assessment charges for the low-income earners; and domestication of Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law 1992, especially at the Local level.