Sorting out glitches in software while uploading drawing for approvals and reintroduction of balconies in the approval were some of the issues discussed at a meeting held between representatives of Builders Association of India (BAI), Chennai Chapter and minister for Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) P K Sekar Babu on Wednesday.
The meeting regarding the online planning permission approvals was held at the CMDA office on Wednesday. During the meeting, BAI representatives highlighted some of the demands and also submitted a list of issues faced by the construction industry to the minister.
“The uniform software used by municipal corporations and local bodies has many glitches while uploading drawings for approval. This must be rectified and made available to the registered engineers and architects for easy filing and uploading,” said S Ramaprabhu, committee chairman, municipal and DTCP, Builders Association of India.
The BAI also wanted to increase the height of non-high rise buildings from 12 m to 14 m. According to them, as per the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019 (TNCDBR2019) the height of the non-high-rise buildings permitted is 12m – with stilt plus 3 floors – which is practically difficult in practice as each floor gets restricted to 3m in height.
“We also wanted reintroduction of balconies in the approval. After the introduction of TNCDBR2019 approval for balconies are not permitted. We request buildings with stilt plus 3 floors with 1.5 m as setback can be given balconies on the roadside. In case fire and any other emergencies, balconies are easy access for people to escape to safety,” said R R Sridhar, chairman, BAI.
Apart from these, the representatives highlighted various other issues including – considering grama natham land on par with other housing sites, allow construction in CRZ beyond 200m from boundary instead of 500m among others.