The Hindu 14.06.2013
Layout approval must for non-residential projects
Proposal made to ensure successful implementation of the Master Plan and planned development of city
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA),
in a major decision, has decided to bring non-residential developments
also under the mandatory site layout approvals in projects to be taken
up under its jurisdiction. A proposal has already been sent to the
government for approval and a nod is expected soon.
Till
now, the Layout Based Approval System has been applicable for according
permissions to development of residential layouts . The present
approach for permission related to group residential development follows
scrutiny of layouts while for non-residential group development as in
industries, institutions and commercial, the examination is just limited
to Building Permission. The HMDA feels that non-insistence or scrutiny
of the layout of non-residential development as in housing was not
conducive for planned development, road network, open spaces and
integrating the Master Plan proposals.
Group developments
The
Metropolitan Commissioner, Neerabh Kumar Prasad, argues that for
successful implementation of the Master Plan and planned development of
the city, there is a need to scrutinise all group developments, whether
they are residential or non-residential, by way of site layout approval
along with building permissions.
However, the
proposal looks at covering group developments above 4,000 square metres
only and not insisting on site layout for smaller sites i.e., plots
below 4,000 square metres. “For the smaller sites, the present practice
of according building permission should be adequate,” says an official.
The HMDA proposal awaiting a nod from the government looks at insisting
on site layout for factors such as internal circulation plan, parking
requirements, service and utility plan and provision of open space.
