The Hindu   16.02.2011

Powers delegated for building plan approval

Different interpretations of rule lead to confusion

Consider this: an applicant for building plan approval had earlier constructed an 800 sq.ft. house and got approval for it. He wants to add another 300 sq.ft. now.

Though the local body can approve single buildings of maximum 4,000 sq.ft., these applicants are advised to approach the Local Planning Authority for approval.

According to K. Kathirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, the State Government had delegated powers to the local bodies to approve residential buildings of 4,000 sq.ft (ground plus first floor single building) and commercial building of 2,000 sq.ft. (ground plus first floor single building).

It was mentioned that “If a plan approval earlier accorded was within the powers and a plan was submitted for construction of additional building, even if within delegated powers the local bodies should not approve. They should be forwarded to the LPA office or the Regional Deputy Director's office.”

This has been interpreted in different ways and led to confusion. Some local bodies interpret that though the first plan and the proposed one is within the 4,000 sq.ft. they cannot give the approval.

An official of Coimbatore Corporation says it has been clearly stated that the Corporation can give only one approval and that the applicants should go to the Local Planning Authority for any further approval.

Total area

However, a senior official of the Directorate of Town and Country Planning said if the total area of the building (old plus the new construction) was within 4,000 sq.ft. for residential structures, then the local body should give the approval.