Abstract
PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS AND ATTITUDES TO PLANNING
Akue Leka-Oscar* and Udom Mina Elsie
ABSTRACT
Public perceptions and attitudes to planning is of pivotal importance to the planning profession as planning is public based, incorporating public opinions in to professional rational thinking of the planners. This research adopted existing literature to assess and revalidate the role of public perceptions and their attitudes to planning the physical environment. Public perception essentially indicates the performance of the public participation system. Before planners can effectively find more sustainable community development patterns to adapt urban change, they must understand the source of public discontent and impact of their behavior and attitude towards neighborhoods and overall community well-being. Eighty five (85) respondents were purposively sampled in Port Harcourt to ascertain the level of citizen participation in planning the physical environment. The results revealed that the general public has different perceptions and attitudes to planning; although majority of those that have the willingness and interest for participation are rarely invited. The study recommends for public involvement and participation in planning the physical environment and that planning should be seen as public based where the opinion, views and perceptions of the general public is considered and integrated in to the planning process.
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