Rationalises extension fee for vacant plots

Chandigarh: The UT Administration has also rationalised extension fee for those who failed to start construction within the stipulated period of three years on the plots allotted to them. Sources said the Administration had taken the decision to provide relief to the owners on the pattern of the policy of the Government of Punjab. The Administration has amended the Estate Rules 2007 to incorporate the new fees. Under the new rates, the allottees will have to pay 2 percent of the collector rates of the property for the fourth, fifth and the sixth years, 3 percent for seven, eight and nine years, 4 percent for 10, 11 and 12 years and 5 percent for 13, 14 and 15 years. — TNS

No multi-storeyed buildings in villages

Chandigarh: Now, no buildings beyond three storeys will be allowed in the villages of Chandigarh with the UT Administration notifying the rural bylaws after it was approved by UT Administrator VP Singh Bandore on Monday.  Besides fixing the height, the bylaws won’t allow guest houses, hotels and other commercial activities which go against the spirit of the villages. Also, a basement will not be allowed in the houses. The UT Administration’s indecision and delay in finalising the bylaws over the years has led to haphazard construction in most of the villages.  Under the bylaws, all buildings will have to follow the norms for structure stability, light and ventilation. No industrial activity will be allowed in the villages except for those permitted by the Chandigarh Administration. The bylaws will have a procedure for the submission of building application. — TNS

To start conversion from lease to freehold  

Chandigarh: The transfer of residential properties from lease to freehold will start soon as the Administration has approved the new conversion charges. Now, the Administration will send a proposal to the Ministry of Home for approval.The Estate Office and the Chandigarh Housing Board have put on hold the conversion of properties from leasehold to freehold as the decision on the revision of rates for conversion has been pending for more than three years. The Administration has now proposed the rate of conversion on the pattern of Delhi Government. The applicants will have to pay a fixed percentage of the prevailing collector rates according to the size of the plots. No charges will be levied for the plots below 50 sq/meter size. The owners will have to pay between 7 to 20 percent as their plot size goes up .Earlier, the Administration was charging a rate of Rs 1,716 per square yard for conversion. — TNS