Floor area ratio hike likely for group housing

NEW DELHI: Co-operative group housing societies will now be able to avail of 200 FAR promised in MPD 2021, if a proposal pending with the lieutenant governor is approved. DDA had increased the FAR limit for group housing societies from 167 in the previous master plan 2001 to 200.

However, its implementation was stalled after issues were raised about its effect on the structural safety of group housing society buildings, some of which are over 40 years old. Availing of the increased FAR, when approved by the LG, will require a structural safety certificate.

The increased FAR could be availed by new group housing societies and older societies will have the option of demolishing and constructing new buildings. DDA hasn't placed a limit on the height to which buildings that use the increased FAR could rise. Group housing societies will have the option of expanding either by constructing a new tower in case there's empty space, or adding floors to existing buildings. Upon LG's approval the item will be placed in DDA's meeting on December 12, after which it will come into effect immediately.

However, getting the FAR through a notification would be the easiest part. Issues like ownership share of members in the newly constructed structures are likely to arise. "We debated this issue when we last heard of it two years ago, inconclusively. While the idea of getting more FAR is attractive there are several related complications. For instance, if new floors are added to a building how will ownership be divided?" said Sanjeev, a society member in Rohini.

While new towers could theoretically be added, the empty spaces are likely to be parking spots or children's parks.