Significance of EIA and DPR in the housing development process

Abstract

Development process involves several stages starting with the identification of land, doing the feasibility study, application stage and the implementation. The application stage requires developers to deal with various authorities in order to gain what is called planning permission. Sec. 19 of Act 172 provides that no person, other than a Local Authority, shall commence, undertake, or carry out any development unless planning permission in respect of the development has been granted. The Local Planning Authority (LPA) is empowered by the Act to control the development within their area. This implies that all development has to get approval from the LPA. Private developers therefore, have to submit an application and the LPA may approve it with or without condition, or refuse the application. In granting the planning permission, the LPA will refer to the development plan, planning standards, government policies and other planning requirements. Besides, every application should be made according to certain procedure laid down by the respective LPA.