Builders worried as govt delays implementation of new rules

“The government had published the notification of Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules in the Gazette in February. But the rules are not yet implemented,” P Manishankar, President of Federation of Tamil Nadu Flat and Housing Promoters Association, told reporters in Chennai.

He added that the rules would decentralise the planning permission process by delegating powers to local bodies. “For example, planning approval for ground plus three storey buildings on 20 feet wide roads will be issued by concerned local bodies as per the new rules,” he pointed out.

Commenting on a recent government order that appointed officials to conduct site inspections, he said that the builders are confused if they should apply for planning permission from the local bodies. “We could not apply for the planning permission without knowing to whom the applications should be sent,” he said. He also added that the online application system based on the new rules is also not functioning properly.

Explaining the impact of the delay, Manishankar said that the new rules have increased the floor space index (FSI) which would be beneficial to promoters and home buyers. “Most of the promoters are waiting to start their projects, expecting the government to implement the new rules so that they can utilise new FSI norms. If buildings are built based on new rules, the cost of flats will come down. Also, many construction workers have lost jobs due to the delay,” he said.