Mixed land use will soon be a reality in Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway areas wherein commercial activities can be carried out from sectors earmarked for other uses like residential, institutional and industrial. The draft bill of the State Urban Housing and Habitat Policy 2013, which is awaiting clearance from the UP government cabinet, has provisions for mixed land-use. According to Rama Raman, chairman of the three authorities, the concept of mixed land use is also present in the master plans. After implementation, besides a conversion fee, parameters will be fixed for permitting mixed land use. “We are yet to chalk out details of the policy. While mixed use may be restricted, trade activity involving hazardous, inflammable or polluting substances would not be allowed in residential areas,” Raman said. According to the master plan, retail commercial activities will be restricted to the ground floor, while residential activities will be allowed on the upper floors. Mix of commercial, residential and institutional activities will be designated to large size residential or institutional plots, while ground coverage and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) shall be in accordance of the prime land uses of the plot. All unauthorized activities on 18m and wider roads will be regularized. The new policy promotes contained and compact land use where a building or a single site would have all necessary facilities like offices, schools, markets, banks within the boundary. “Town planners globally are advocating mixed land use so that facilities for stay, work and play are in the same neighbourhood. However, the residential-commercial combine use will be regulated so that it does not inconvenience residents,” Raman said. The proposed notification has elicited a mixed reaction. Resident welfare associations feel care should be taken while allowing commercial activities in residential areas. “Most people don’t mind commercial use of residential property because it fetches money. However, care should be taken so that sanctity of residential areas is preserved,” said an RWA member from Noida. “Promoting multiplicity of land use could put an extra burden on infrastructure,” said another resident.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 07:00:06 +0000
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