PHYSICAL PLANNING TOOLS TO ENHANCE SUSTAINABLE PERI-URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This paper seeks to examine physical planning tools used to enhance and planned development of peri-urban communities of Jos metropolis through an inquiry into whether development is controlled or monitored and assessing the spatial planning tools/agencies that policymakers and planning agencies can adopt in promoting inclusive policies for sustainability in Jos metropolis. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were adopted for data acquisition. Four peri-urban areas were selected systematically; questionnaires were randomly administered. ArcGIS10.5 software, GPS device, and camera were used for qualitative data acquisition. The findings of the study shows that development is controlled or monitored but some areas are unplanned due to the absence of a layout plan but efforts were made to serve the residents with a notice to ensure building permits and development control. Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) is the primary agency saddle with the responsibilities of controlling development and the approval of building plans but due to the cumbersome and unending nature of the process majority of the buildings are without a building plan and no approval as well as the neighbourhood development plan (layout) which is vital to improving physical planning. Based on the results obtained, conclusions were drawn that usage of spatial planning tools in the development of peri-urban areas are ineffective as spatial governance is expressed in the unplanned and chaotic nature of development. Recommendations were made to assist policy makers, practitioners and the academia, as the growth of urban areas beyond planned spatial limits into peri-urban areas with chaotic nature of development shows signs of ineffective spatial governance.