DLF Limited has run into trouble with Bruhat Bangalore Mahangara Palike (BBMP), the state-owned body which authorises all residential projects in Bangalore. In a public announcement issued in an English daily today, BBMP stated that DLF Homes had not obtained any approval or sanction plan from BBMP to build an 18-storey complex, named Westend Heights, at New Town, DLF BTM Extension, in South Bangalore.
The BBMP has cautioned the public from booking apartments in this project as the builder has not taken approval from the competent authority. In a public advertisement dated April 26, DLF had announced opening of bookings for its proposed apartments and said the Bangalore Development Authority’s (BDA) approval had been obtained to build up to four floors. The BBMP said according to the advertisement, the apartment complex consists of 18 floors and not four as mentioned. The project consists of 1,980 units spread across 19 towers that are stilt+18 floors high.
“While the BDA is the competent authority to approve development plans in the BBMP limits, the BBMP is the only competent authority to approve building plans within its jurisdiction. The developer/promoter, mentioning that they have obtained sanction of building up to four floors from the BDA, is thus misleading,” the BBMP said in a statement.
However, DLF clarified its stand in a statement: "DLF has obtained due approval for the development plan through its subsidiary company, Annabel Builders and Developers, for S+4 level from BDA for the project Westend Heights. Construction on the project will commence only after obtaining detailed plan approval from BBMP and other relevant clearances, for which application is in process. As such, the allegations of illegality, etc., made by BBMP's said advertisement are incorrect and the assertions are misplaced."
DLF had paid Katha amount of Rs 14.60 crore to BBMP towards betterment charges on August 1, 2008. DLF had released an advertisement seeking bookings from prospective buyers after ascertaining all the legal aspects and compliance of the approval process underway, and is not in violation of any state or central regulation or statute by marketing its project, the statement said.
In this project, located about 4 kms from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, DLF has offered two and three-bed room apartments ranging from 1,085 sq ft to 1,820 sq ft, at a price ranging from Rs 21.70 lakh to Rs 33.67 lakh. The project is spread over an 86-acre layout.
To a notice issued by the joint director, town planning, BBMP, the developer has admitted that they have not obtained sanction plan from the BBMP and they are in the process of applying for sanction of the building plan.
