Date:03/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/03/stories/2008120350340100.htm

Back

Front Page

Confusion over building approvals ends

A. Srivathsan

New rules to apply only for applications submitted after September 2

— Photo: S.R. Raghunathan

The order issued by the State Government is expected to smoothen the process of clearance of building plans.

CHENNAI: The confusion over building approvals as per new rules of the second master plan has been put to rest.

The State government has issued an order, stating that all building applications submitted to the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) for approval prior to the publication of the second master plan and not yet processed and notified will be processed as per the old rules of the first master plan.

Previously, the CMDA had decided otherwise. The pending applications, submitted according to the first master plan but not processed before the notification of the second master plan, were to be reviewed as per the new rules of the second master plan.

The order has fixed September 2, 2008, when the second master plan was notified, as the cut-off date. Only applications submitted after this date will be processed as per the new rules.

However, all is not lost for those who have got approvals under the first master plan, say CMDA sources. Developers and owners who have recently obtained approvals as per the old rules can submit a fresh plan and avail of the benefits of the new rules.

Such applications will also be considered for early processing to make up for the loss of time, if any.