Urban News

Panchkula can now look forward to having skyscrapers, with the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) increasing the maximum permissible limit of height for all hotel sites allotted by them. HUDA has fixed this limit at a maximum of 14 floors for hotels that have an area above one acre and which are governed by the zoning plan.

The decision has come into effect after various representations were given by the hospitality players for an increased height of buildings. HUDA has therefore increased the limit to 60 metres; the previous limit was 30 metres. HUDA has earmarked land for the commercial complex in Sector 5 for sites of hotel and shopping malls while it has allotted land to two private players for five-star hotels in Sectors 3 and 5. While the existing hotels in the township have been built on an area of 2.5 to 3 kanals, the new sites in Sector 3 and 5 house only big hotel projects running into an acre and above.

Talking about the development, Estate Officer Ashwani Sharma said: “We understand the need of hotel industry as they need to grow along with rapid urbanisation in and around the district. With the industrial town of Baddi being a hot tourist spot, hotels that invest here have a lot of potential. The increased limit will allow them to grow vertically, add more rooms and tap into the business.”

An official spokesman from HUDA said the relaxation in height would be subject to clearance by the Airports Authority of India. No change in Floor Area Ratio (FAR) will be permitted and other terms and conditions of allotment will remain the same. According to the new decision, HUDA has also given permission to hotels to have a service floor within the premises. The maximum height of service floor would be restricted to 2.4 metres and the area of the service floor would not be counted towards FAR. However, the spokesperson added, hotels would not be allowed to use the floors for hazardous uses including setting up of generators.

Meanwhile, hoteliers do not seem to be happy about the move. While the old players have their own grouse for being left out due to area constraints, Prem Gandhi, owner of K C Hotels, said: “At the outset, it feels good that we can add more floors and increase the room capacity. However, with no changes allowed in FAR, it is not too feasible for us as it will not be proportionate.”