ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF COMPLIANCE TO DEVELOPMENT CONTROL STANDARD IN URBAN AREA (A CASE STUDY OF IKOT EKPENE)

ABSTRACT Development control is important in the management of Urban space. It provides a major tool for ensuring compatible use of land and buildings also for preventing environmental problems. The goal of this study was an in-depth assessment of public compliance with development control in Ikot Ekpene Urban. Among the objectives were developing indices for measuring the level of compliance or otherwise as well as considering reasons for non-compliance. Several literature relating to the subject were reviewed. A sample size of 400 landlords/ landladies were used in this study. Using the street guide of the area, the researcher chose every 10th house along each street where questionnaire, which was the major instrument of getting information was administered. The collected data was analyzed with descriptive statistics using tables, frequency of and percentages. The findings revealed that there was very low compliance with development control standards due to long time frames to collect development permits, poor negative image about town planners and others, thus causing conflicting and chaotic development. Based on the findings, recommendations were made. These include town planners becoming adaptive to the changing needs, cultural and economic realities of our time by educating illegal developers on how to redesign their structures to make them acceptable and liveable.