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.