INFLUENCE OF DEVELOPMENT CONTROL INSTRUMENTS ON BUILDING DEVELOPMENT IN UYO METROPOLIS

Purpose: Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Site Plan Analysis Report (SPAR) are two legal instruments of development control to enhance sustainable development in the construction industry. The aim of this paper is to x-ray the extent to which the use of EIAR and SPAR instruments has enhanced sustainable development in the construction industry in Uyo metropolis. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve this aim, evaluations were carried out on the extent of building development permits issued as well as cost implications prior to and after commencement of the implementation of these instruments in Akwa Ibom State. Deductive and explanatory research design was employed and data relating to number of approved plans, cost associated with the control instruments, and average cost of buildings were obtained from official records of Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA) and professional bodies. Interviews were held with the staff of UCCDA in enforcement unit while qualitative and quantitative analytical designs were utilized in the analysis and discussion of findings. Findings: The result showed that the rate of building plans approval was higher prior to the implementation of the control instruments. In addition, the influence of the instruments was found significant on approval rate of both bungalow and storey buildings. Research limitations/Implications: The limitations include the use of only two development control instruments and costs of three bedroom bungalows and four bedroom duplex in Uyo metropolis. The contribution to knowledge is that this study established the influence of the selected control instruments on building approval and development. Practical implications: It is recommended that government approval agencies, professionals and other stakeholders should harmonize the process and costs of obtaining the adequate documents for approval, failure of which will increase illegal building construction. Originality/value – The study revealed the percentage contributions of the control instruments to building development and the need to harmonize the process and costs of obtaining the instruments for development in Uyo metropolis.