An assignment On
RESPONSIBILITY OF A PROFESSIONAL PLANNER IN ALL PLANNING AGENCIES IN ANY STATE OF THE FEDERATION.
COURSE: URP 627
Prepared By
Adekunle Emmanuel .O. REG. NO:
EDMP11/12/H/2778
Submitted To
Dr. S. A. Adeyinka
DEPARTMENT OF URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING Faculty of Environmental Design and Management Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. May, 2012
INTRODUCTION Planning is a decision making process that aims to controls development, design the environment, and site communication network and other facilities to ensure a livable workable and conducive community. The sole purpose of planning as a profession is to improve the communities we live in. The concerns of planners are not only for the present condition of the community but also for the future.
Professional planners facilitate decision making by creating the process by which residents, managers, public officials and city council members, and advocates work together to create a vision for the community, the goals the community wishes to achieve for itself, and the actions it will take to reach the goals (APA, 2008). The role of planners is to coordinate information and create a logical decision making process.
Planners identify and attempt to solve community environmental problems. They do this in collaboration with different agencies and diverse interest groups. Some other activities of a professional planner are urban design, research and analysis, public consultation, policy recommendations, implementation and management (Wikipedia, 2009)
2
This section of the paper espouses on professionalism of a planner, what planning is and highlights the responsibilities of planning to different segments of the society. Specifically, this section of the paper discusses a case study of the responsibility of a professional planner in Lagos State planning agencies.
WHAT IS PLANNING? VTPI (2011) refer to planning as a process of deciding what to do and how to do it. Planning occurs at many levels, from day-to-day decisions made by individuals and families, to complex decisions made by businesses, organizations and governments. Planning as a process enables leaders, businesses and other stakeholders to participate in their community development. Planning, also called urban planning or city and regional planning, is a dynamic profession that works to improve the welfare of people and their communities by creating more convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive places for present and future generations (APA, 2012).
Planning is the process of making decisions to guide future action. The planning profession is specifically concerned with shaping cities, towns and regions by managing development, infrastructure and services. Planning has been defined by Google Dictionary as: 3
1.
The process of making plans for something
2.
The control of urban development by a local government authority, from
which a license must be obtained to build a new property or change an existing one - the local planning authority Abhas, et. al (2010) also defined Physical planning as a design exercise that uses the land use plan as a framework to propose the optimal physical infrastructure for a settlement or area, including infrastructure for public services, transport, economic activities, recreation, and environmental protection. Physical planning is a process that involves problem identiďŹ cation and goal setting, information gathering and analysis, design of alternatives, and synthesis requiring public choices (Emil E. M., 2005). Urban Planning is a profession dedicated to improving communities and the environment as well as enhancing the quality of life for all members of society. Planners assist in understanding and solving society's problems by addressing diverse public issues that affect where people live, work and play; where they shop and go to school; how they get from place to place; what our communities look like and how we use resources. Urban planning is a people-oriented profession as much as it is one that deals with managing change. Planners work with local communities with the goal of enhancing the welfare of people and their communities by creating a convenient, equitable, efficient and attractive environment for present and future generations. 4
Physical planning is a design exercise that uses the land use plan as a framework to propose the optimal physical infrastructure for a settlement or area, including infrastructure for public services, transport, economic activities, recreation, and environmental protection.
WHO IS A PROFESSIONAL PLANNER? Professionalism is an inclusive term covering a variety of activities in different field of study. Oni, (2007), buttressed this point by emphasizing the fact that professional activity would encompass a particular level of systematic knowledge and proficiency. Professionals in Urban and Regional Planning work to preserve and enhance the natural and built environment. They address a wide range of issues ranging from habitat conservation to historic preservation, from transportation to recreation, from neighborhood housing to regional shopping centers. Professional planner is a person that must have undergo training exercise in an institute of higher learning approved by both the National University Commission (NUC) and Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC), and must have been professionally certified by TOPREC. Odufuwa (2008) buttressed this by defining a professional Town Planner as a person who has gained mastery or proficiency in planning and related fields of knowledge and skills; and can effectively help local officials to alleviate social, economic, and environmental problems through delineation of road paths, 5
schools location and other infrastructure designation; and suggesting zoning regulations for private properties within a locality. The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners views a professional Town Planner as a person who possesses any of the following academic/professional qualifications:(i) A degree in Urban and Regional Planning/Town Planning; (ii) A Professional Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning/Town Planning; (iii) A pass in the final stage of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners/Town Planners Registration Council Examination; (iv) Attainment of 2 years post qualification supervised experience. It should be noted that, courses leading to the award of the specified qualification (i) and (ii) above must be from any institution recognised and accredited by the Town Planners Registration Council (TOPREC) (NITP, 1991). The registration of a Town Planner with the Registration Council shall be evidenced by the following: 1)
Issuance of a Certificate of Registration jointly signed by the President
and the Registrar and will bear the year of registration, serial number and registration number. 2)
Publication of the names of Registered Town Planners in the gazette and
at least two widely circulating National Dailies; or 3)
Publication of register of Town Planners published annually by Council. 6
In addition to a formal educational background, professional planner must possess a unique combination of skills. According to American Planning Association professional planners should possess a combination of these skills: 1.
Knowledge of urban spatial structure or physical design and the way in
which cities work. 2.
Ability to analyze demographic information to discern trends in
population, employment, and health. 3.
Knowledge of plan-making and project evaluation.
4.
Mastery of techniques for involving a wide range of people in making
decisions. 5.
Understanding of local, state, and federal government programs and
processes. 6.
Understanding of the social and environmental impact of planning
decisions on communities. 7.
Ability to work with the public and articulate planning issues to a wide
variety of audiences. 8.
Ability to function as a mediator or facilitator when community interests
conflict. 9.
Understanding of the legal foundation for land use regulation. 7
10.
Understanding of the interaction among the economy, transportation,
health and human services, and land-use regulation. 11.
Ability to solve problems using a balance of technical competence,
creativity, and hardheaded pragmatism. 12.
Ability to envision alternatives to the physical and social environments in
which we live. 13.
Mastery of geographic information systems and office software.
Planning Professional Associations in Other Countries •
Canadian Institute of Planners
•
Royal Town Planning Institute (UK)
•
Planning Institute of Australia
•
Institute of Town Planners, India
•
New Zealand Planning Institute
•
South African Planners
•
City Planning Institute of Japan
•
Sociéte Française des Urbanistes (SFU)
•
Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP)
8
RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS Responsibilities of professional Planners in any Planning Agency are as follow: a.
Allocation of land for developmental projects by the various levels of
governments, corporate organizations and for other uses of interest to the public. b.
Formulation and Implementation of Urban Development policies.
c.
Preparation of General Land Use Plans.
d.
Preparation of Detailed Site Development Plan.
e.
Land Use Monitoring of the Master Plans.
f.
Revision of Urban Development Standards.
g.
Processing and evaluation of all types of applications for development
purposes. h.
Monitoring and control of physical development
i.
Design and implementation of urban renewal programmes
j.
Processing of application for the Governor’s consent
k.
Provision of survey services and Geo-informatics to Government
Agencies and the public.
9
l.
Production of maps (Base Maps, administrative Maps, etc.) and other
survey documents
CASE STUDY: Responsibilities of professional Planners in the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development MINISTRY OF PHYSICAL PLANNING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AS A LAGOS STATE PLANNING AGENCY Since the creation of Lagos State, what is today known as Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has always been the hub of Town Planning activities in the State. It was either an appendage or a department in the other Ministries, like Ministry of Works and Planning in the 1970, while it was under Ministry of Economic Planning and Land Matters in the 1980's. In January 2003, the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning was split into two Ministries, thereby conferring on Ministry of Physical Planning, the status of a full-fledged Ministry. The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development is responsible for all Physical Planning, Urban Development, Urban Regeneration and Building Control policies of the State (Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Bill 2010). The Ministry, as at today comprises of four Professional Town Planning departments, two support departments and four units. These are: 10
i.
Development Matters
ii.
Physical Planning
iii.
Urban Development
iv.
Regional & Master Plan Department
v.
Physical Audit Department
vi.
Lagos State Physical Planning Information Centre
In addition to the above mentioned departments and units, the Ministry also plays a supervisory role in the affairs of three parastatals, namely i.
Lagos State Urban Renewal Authority (LASURA)
ii.
Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), and
iii.
Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA)
RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS IN THE LAGOS STATE
MINISTRY
OF
PHYSICAL
PLANNING
AND
URBAN
DEVELOPMENT ARE AS FOLLOW I.
Formulation and Implementation of Urban Development policy and
programmes: It is the duty and responsibility of a planner to research and analyze findings, and then forecast base on the acquired information. It is through this process that he/she formulates and implements policies for urban development.
11
II.
Preparation and Approval of Physical Development plan: Physical
development plans includes: Regional Plans, Sub-Regional Plans, District Plans, Model City Plans, Urban/Town Plans, Urban Regeneration Plans, Development Guide Plans, and Local Plans including layout and subdivision plans. Planners prepare and approve physical development plans putting the basic elements of a development plan into consideration. III.
Statutory urban and Regional Planning Activities: It is the duty of a
planner to perform all physical planning activities as stipulated by the 2010 Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development bill. IV.
Preparation and Monitoring
of
Development
Schemes:
The
development scheme acts as the starting point for the community and stakeholders to find out about the physical planning authority's planning policies in respect to a particular place or issue, and what the status of those policies is. Planners are responsible for the preparation and monitoring of these schemes. V.
Planning and Approval of Private Estate Developers Scheme: The
planner is responsible for the siting and location of estates within his/her jurisdiction. Also, the approval of proposed estate scheme is the sole responsibility his/her responsibility.
12
VI.
Approval of Building Plans: All building plans in the state are subjected
to approval by a planner according to the provisions of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Bill 2010. VII. Approval of Layouts: Professional planner scrutinizes a proposed layout to check its conformity with the State planning standards and policies. VIII. Development Control and Removal of Illegal Developments: It is the duty of a professional planner to ensure that the citizens of Lagos State abide by the State Planning Laws when they embark on any physical development. Planners also have the statutory rights to demolish any physical development that does not conform to the State Planning Laws. Other responsibilities are: •
Urban Renewal Programmes
•
Site Selection for Government and Private Institutions
•
Consultancy Services for Parks and Playgrounds
•
Coastal Zones Management
•
Collaboration with New Towns Development Authority
•
Secretariat of the State Planning Commission
•
Data Bank on Physical Planning
•
Preparation and Sale of Model Building Plans
13
REFERENCES Abhas, et. al (2010): Land Use and Physical Planning. Safer Homes, Stronger Communities: A Handbook for Reconstructing after Natural Disasters, published by the World Bank in January 2010. www.housingreconstruction.org American Planners Association (2012): What is planning? http://www.planning.org/aboutplanning/whatisplanning.htm Emil E. Maliziz (2005): City and Regional Planning: A Primer for Public Health OfďŹ cials. http://info.kp.org/communitybenefit/assets/pdf/our_work/global/AJHP.pdf Keeble, L. (1969). Principle and Practice of Town and Country Planning. Estate Gazette, London Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development. http://www.lagosstate.gov.ng/index.php?page=moduledetail&mpid=26&mnusu b=ministry&mnu=module Odufuwa, B.O. (2008): The Professional Urban and Regional Planner. http://www.articlesbase.com/human-resources-articles/the-professional-urbanand-regional-planner-608479.html Oni, C. S. (2007). The Professional Vocational Educator. Educational Research and Review, Vol. 2 Pp. 271-274.
14