Non-conforming use: Two dozen ‘residential’ units sealed

Move is first of mega operation set to continue in coming days.

ISLAMABAD:

As many as 23 houses were sealed on Wednesday for their use as commercial buildings by owners in violation of land use norms governing the city.

The action was taken under a recent Capital Development Authority (CDA) plan, approved by the Supreme Court, to tackle the increasing use of residential properties as commercial spaces.

“A CDA team accompanied by a magistrate targeted a number of residential units being run for commercial purposes in Sector F-7, in light of court directions,” CDA spokesperson Ramzan Sajid said.

The violators, Sajid shared, were warned about the action through notices previously served to the property owners individually, in addition to general public notices published in national newspapers.

The businesses shut down included Junaid Jamshed, Depilex, Royili, Tutti Frutti, Tiffany, Jugnoo’s, a Samsung showroom, Tuscany restaurant, and Bistro Café.

Sajid said the move was the first of a mega operation that would continue in the coming days.

“[The operation] will be a constant feature in the future, and will continue until the last residential unit conforms to the provisions of the Islamabad Land Disposal Regulation 2005,” the spokesperson added.



Under the approved plan, land use violators have been given six months to wrap up their businesses from residential areas. The plan was devised by the civic agency in consultation with all stakeholders, including the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industries.

A case regarding non-conforming use of residential properties is currently pending with the apex court. During the last hearing on September 15, the court ordered the CDA to continue its ongoing action against the practice.

The policy is applicable only to the 2,262 businesses listed in a report submitted with the Supreme Court by the CDA.

New cases, or those not mentioned in this list, are liable to be sealed immediately under the CDA’s new policy, approved by the CDA board last week. The board agreed that upon expiry of a 15-day first notice, such a property will be sealed in the presence of a CDA magistrate, without serving a second or third notice.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8^th, 2015.