Panel cites lack of clarity in proposed plan variations in Kovalam-Vizhinjam scheme

Panel cites lack of clarity in proposed plan variations in Kovalam-Vizhinjam scheme

It has been cited that the changes could have been incorporated within the master plan, since the plan covers the areas originally included under the Kovalam-Vizhinjam area development scheme

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The special committee constituted by the city corporation for scrutiny of draft master plan 2040 has cited lack of clarity regarding the proposed set of variations in Kovalam-Vizhinjam area development scheme.

It has been cited that the changes could have been incorporated within the master plan, since the plan covers the areas originally included under the Kovalam-Vizhinjam area development scheme

Further, a confusion seems to have arisen regarding the categorization of areas under the scheme in terms of coastal regulation zone (CRZ).

The proposed set of variations are being pitched by considering the area under CRZ-2. However, the special committee members counter this saying that the areas come under CRZ-3.

The town planning department has reportedly told the meeting that relaxations in height and coverage need to be made in Kovalam-Vizhinjam area development scheme and this was proposed citing recent applications for tourism projects

A member of the committee said that introducing variations in a plan for standalone projects do not make sense when the entire changes can be proposed in the master plan for the city.

The committee has asked for a detailed note on the recommendations regarding variations. This will be circulated among the councillors before the matter will be presented in the council meeting.

The coverage, height restrictions, plot size have been modified as per the new set of variations. The town planning department has also proposed taking away all the architectural controls prevalent in 2010 regulations.

While the coverage for buildings under the public and semi-public use was limited to 40% and height below nine metres as per the old plan, the height and coverage will be determined as per the building rules in force, the proposal says. Multiplex complexes have been added to the zoning regulations under ‘uses restricted by chief town planner’.

As for buildings under tourism development, the coverage was limited to 30% and the height of the building was below nine metres. This provision has been taken off and proposed variation says that coverage and height restrictions in the 2010 regulations have been modified and it will be governed by Kerala municipality building rules.

New relaxations have also been proposed for residential buildings. Residential buildings up to 300 sq m and commercial buildings up to 150 sq m are permitted in both the zones as per compliance with the Paddy and Wetland Act of the state, the proposal says. Architectural controls like control of building height, need to use local, indigenous construction materials, conditions regarding exterior colour, colour continuity have also been taken off in the proposed set of variations.

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