Building Conversion in Cities: An Empirical Analysis of Ijapo Residential Estate Akure, Nigeria

Purpose: This study assessed city building conversion from the perspective of the Ijapo Residential Estate Akure, Ondo State. The objectives are to identify and examine the factors responsible for residential building conversion, assess the effect of building conversion on the existing planning scheme, and ascertain the level of building plan deviation from the original design. Design/Methodology/Approach: This article annexed primary and secondary data collection sources using Ijapo residential master plans (pre-2002, 2012, and 2022). From these, 717 residential buildings were identified using Auto-cad and SPSS. The 717 buildings were multiplied by 5hpb (household per building), which amounts to 3585 households within the study area. Ten percent of the total buildings were selected randomly for the research. Field data were analysed using descriptive methods. Findings: This is a 47.0% reduction in the identified approved land use for residential, 65.0% increase in commercial usage, a 55.0% increase in recreational use, 40.0% increase in institutional use of the building, 62.0% newly introduced mixed-use, as a result of 58.2% of the residents agreed that the reason for building conversion in Ijapo was for profit-making, while 40.0% of the respondent only adhered to the approved plan. Research Limitation/Implication: This research focused on building conversion in cities with a major concern on Ijapo Residential Estate Akure, Nigeria. Practical Implication: This paper has potential baseline implications for understanding strategic planning and urban/environmental sustainability of Planning Scheme adherence in Nigerian cities and other developing countries. Social Implications: This study will assist development policymakers, developers, and land owners in addressing the diverse effects of building conversion on present and future generations. Originality/Value: This study is based on a creative planning concept for curbing the menace of building conversion, as well as the design and implementation of a master plan by the planning authority.