CDA mulls over plan to cancel allotment of plots

[Salman]

Islamabad



Capital Development Authority (CDA) would soon take up the proposal to cancel allotment of plots of those residential houses that are being used for commercial purposes in violation of the sector zoning regulations, the sources said here on Saturday.



The sources said the Building Control Structure (BCS) of CDA has floated the proposal that would be discussed in the board meeting to take measures for cancelling allotment of plots where commercial activities are still going on despite issuance of notices from CDA and the office of the deputy commissioner.



Under the Islamabad Residential Sectors Zoning Regulations 2005, non-conforming use of residential units is prohibited in the capital. The CDA is even authorised to cancel allotment of residential plots and houses used for commercial purposes.



According to a survey conducted in the past, the BCS Directorate found 795 houses being used for commercial purposes in residential areas. Of these houses, 325 were used as offices by various organisations, 87 as guesthouses, four as restaurants, 255 as schools and 124 as beauty parlours and clinics. The CDA started sealing the residential houses that were being used for commercial purposes few months ago and as a more aggressive step it may cancel plots or allotments of all such houses in the residential sectors.



An official of CDA said establishment of the offices in the residential sectors would not be allowed, as there is enough space in the commercial sectors so owners in their own interest may shift their offices to these areas so that the problems of the residents could be resolved.