DDA recommends changes in Master Plan

Syed Ali Ahmed

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 19

The Delhi Development Authority’s board of inquiry in its hearing today proposed amendments in development control norms of shop-cum-residential plots and for redevelopment of existing godown clusters in non-conforming areas – as a modification to the Master Plan of Delhi (MPD) 2021.

The announcement was made following a meeting with the Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, who is also the Chairman of DDA. This amendment may give relief to traders of whose properties are being sealed, sources said.

The areas developed prior to 1962 like Lajpat Nagar, Rajouri Garden, Tilak Nagar, Kamla Nagar etc. having concentration of commercial activities, may continue subject to conditions prescribed under the mixed use regulations, the recommendations said.

Shop-cum-residence complexes will be allowed to continue with the activities permissible in the local shopping centre with conditions that floor area ratio (FAR) of such plots will be as prescribed for respective size of the residential plotted development. Payment of conversion charges from “Residential” to “Commercial” will be applicable as prescribed with the approval of government.

The recommendations said that other existing shop-cum-residence plots would also be allowed to continue with originally permitted use with the FAR of residential plotted development. The upper floors can be converted to commercial use after paying the applicable charges.

In order to promote parking, the owner of the plot will be allowed to amalgamate the plots upto minimum plot size of 1000 square meter, to provide additional parking on the amalgamated plot. Such plots will be entitled for a rebate of 50 per cent in conversion charges. In case there is no parking facility available in the vicinity, concerned local body may declare such areas as pedestrian shopping streets. Public transport authority will ensure last mile connectivity to these areas.

Other activities which are non-polluting, non-hazardous and not prohibited by law in residential areas will be permitted. This will include the activities carried out by the differently-abled persons as per their individual skill sets.

In order to address issues related to infrastructure facilities, pollution, environmental concerns etc., norms will be prepared in consultation with respective departments.

Liquor shops, bars, discos, pubs and clubs will not be allowed in the residential premises as a part of mixed use.

Amount collected on account of various charges will be credited to a designated fund – Escrow account – to be used exclusively for augmentation of infrastructure facilities including parking, public toilets, water supply of capital nature.

As far as norms for redevelopment of godown clusters existing in non-conforming areas and wholesale trade the DDA’s board of enquiry and hearing recommended that godowns and whole sale trade would be allowed on the roads that have minimum width of 30 metres.