Edo State Government has warned property developers against the practice of converting residential premises to commercial use without applying and obtaining the necessary Change of Use Permit from the Ministry of Physical and Urban Development.
In a statement at the weekend, Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., said the government will sanction property developers, who violate the state’s Extant Town Planning Laws and Regulations.
He said, “The Edo State Government has observed with dismay that some developers have continued the unwholesome practice of converting residential premises to commercial use without applying and obtaining the necessary Change of Use Permit from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.”
“Government strongly condemns this act of violation of the state’s Extant Town Planning Laws and Regulations and is poised to administer appropriate sanctions in accordance with the laws.
“Consequently, all such developers are to discontinue such illegality and submit their applications for Change of Use to the Ministry for consideration and approval as deemed fit,” he added.
Ogie noted, “For the avoidance of doubt, developers who fail to comply with the laws will be visited with the attendant sanctions, including removal of such illegal structures and recovery of the cost of carrying out the action from them.”
