More than 50 property owners from Golf Course Road and surrounding sectors have approached the town planning authorities seeking a policy to allow the commercial conversion of residential properties that are currently being used for business activities.
The property owners met town planner (enforcement) Amit Madholia on Wednesday and requested the authorities to provide a legal mechanism under which owners could pay prescribed conversion charges and comply with applicable planning and building regulations.
The demand comes amid increased scrutiny of commercial activities being operated from residential properties across Gurugram. Property owners have sought a policy-based approach instead of enforcement action against properties where commercial activity has continued for several years.
Owners Point to Changing Character of Golf Course Road
According to the delegation, Golf Course Road has undergone significant changes following road widening, increased traffic and development in surrounding areas. The owners said the changing nature of the corridor has made residential-only use of some properties difficult.
They also pointed to the growth of commercial establishments along the road, which they said provide employment and contribute to government revenue through taxes and other charges.
The owners have proposed that existing properties being used commercially should be brought within a formal regulatory framework through a conversion policy. Under such a system, property owners would pay the applicable conversion charges and comply with specified planning and building norms.
Demand for Conversion Charges and Compliance
Property owner Arvind Khanna said the owners were seeking a practical mechanism rather than a confrontation with the government or town planning department. He said property owners would be willing to pay prescribed charges and follow applicable regulations if a formal conversion policy is introduced.
The delegation said such a framework could provide a structured route for regularising eligible properties while allowing authorities to establish clear conditions for commercial use.
Ashok Aggarwal highlighted the extent of commercial activity along the corridor. He said Golf Course Road, which is around 60 metres wide, carries significant traffic and has commercial establishments on both sides. He also claimed that liquor vends have come up in the area.
Owners Seek Regulatory Route
The property owners said their proposal should not be viewed as an attempt to encourage unauthorised commercial activity. Instead, they are seeking a legal mechanism to address properties where commercial use has developed over time alongside changes in the surrounding area.
Nilesh Gupta said the demand was for a regulatory route through which existing properties could be brought within the planning framework.
The delegation also requested Madholia to forward their representation to the state government and facilitate discussions with the chief minister’s office and other departments concerned.
Representation Sent for Consideration
Madholia confirmed that the representation had been received from property owners of Golf Course Road and would be forwarded to the headquarters for further consideration.
A conversion policy, if considered by the state government, could establish eligibility conditions, conversion charges and planning requirements for residential properties proposed for commercial use. However, no such policy has been announced as part of the representation submitted by the property owners.
The issue comes as authorities continue to examine commercial activities operating from residential properties in different parts of Gurugram. Any future policy would need to determine the categories of properties eligible for conversion, applicable charges and compliance requirements under the city’s planning and building regulations.
