Chennai development body sees drop in building plan permit applications

Despite the state government announcing a massive bonanza for Floor Space Index (FSI), the number of applications seeking planning permission from Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) for launch of new housing projects in and around the city has witnessed a significant drop. The planning permission application for special buildings, which accounts for highest among the residential developments, has reduced as developers are holding their proposals for want of implementing Common Building Rules. The draft Tamil Nadu Combined Development Regulation and Building Rules, 2018 offers several exemptions for developments including an additional floor which is allowed for special buildings. CMDA sources said that the number of applications has dipped by about 50%. “The average admission for special buildings is 10 per week and it was reduced to five in the Chennai Metropolitan Area,” the official added. Appeals have been received from the existing applicants to withhold their applications as common building rules offers benefits, the CMDA official added. R Kumar, former Tamil Nadu chapter chairman of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India said, “Though the FSI has been increased from 1.5 to 2.0, it is not possible achieve it with the existing parameters. The reason several developers are holding applications for Special Buildings as the Common Building Rules offers concession in various parameters including reduction in setback area from four metres to three metres,” he said. Of the total number of applications filed with the CMDA about 85 per cent account for Special Buildings, he added. When contacted, housing and urban development secretary S Krishnan said the common building rules would come to force in a month which is currently vetted by the law department.