15-day deadline against illegal use of residential units

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

ISLAMABAD (APP) - Taking strict notice of growing commercial and illegal use of residential units in residential sectors of the Federal Capital, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has given 15 days deadline to owners to make proper use of their houses or face legal action. The sources in the Authority said that commercial use of residential units is a clear violation of CDA Ordinance 1960 and Islamabad Residential Sector Zones Building Regulation 2005.
They said the law clearly mentions that any building or structure that is not permitted under the law shall either be removed or converted into a building or structure designed or intended for a use authorised or permitted under this regulation.
“The law penalizes the owner and the occupant of the building with heavy fines and dispossession. Moreover, the allotment of the plot may also be canceled,” officials said.
They said the Court of Deputy Commissioner/Collector CDA, has given notices to the house owners for Non Conforming Use (NCU) and asked them to discontinue this practice within 15 days. They added that no justification and/or explanation would be admissible after the date and ex parte legal proceedings would be undertaken.
The CDA in recent past identified some 800 residential units being used for commercial purposes in violation of rules, including 325 houses for government and private offices, 255 houses for schools, colleges and university campuses, 124 houses for commercial offices and 87 houses for guest-houses and restaurants.
The NCU of residential units is not only creating housing shortage in the federal capital but also a matter of great concern for the residents of different sectors due to growing security precautions of public/ private offices.
Meanwhile, CDA sources said the Authority has planned to develop mini cities in Zone IV in order to discontinue the NCU of residential units.
They said that six mini cities would be developed including media, education, Information Technology, business, medical and sports in Zone IV.
The establishment of these cities would not only resolve the housing problems but would also help mitigate the difficulties of the residents faced by them due to security of national and international agencies located in residential sectors.