Telangana Builders Propose Regulated Farmhouse Plotting in Hyderabad Fringes
In a significant move aimed at reshaping development on the outskirts of Hyderabad, real estate developers and builders in Telangana have formally requested the state government to allow farmhouse plotting under conservation land use categories. This proposal includes clearly defined size restrictions and construction limits to bring order to currently unregulated areas.
Proposed Regulations for Controlled Development
During a recent meeting with officials from the municipal administration department, representatives from prominent builders' associations including NAREDCO, CREDAI, and TDA presented detailed suggestions. They proposed permitting farmhouse plots with a minimum size of 10 guntas, approximately equivalent to 12,000 square yards. The associations recommended a maximum building coverage of 25 percent, a height restriction of six meters allowing for ground plus one floor construction, and permission only for plots adjacent to roads measuring at least 30 feet in width.
According to the real estate groups, implementing such standardized norms would encourage planned development while enabling the state government to collect consistent building and development fees. This approach aims to transform chaotic growth patterns into organized residential zones with proper infrastructure.
Addressing Illegal Layouts in Conservation Zones
Currently, extensive areas designated as conservation and bio-conservation zones, particularly those falling under GO 111 regulations including Moinabad, Mokila, Shankarpally, Gandipet and surrounding regions, have witnessed the proliferation of unauthorized layouts. Developers have been illegally carving out farmhouse plots ranging from 10 to 20 guntas, often marketing them as weekend retreats or country homes.
Many of these plots have been sold alongside plantation arrangements, with developers collecting monthly maintenance fees for years while maintaining the properties. Legally, however, these lands remain classified as agricultural property. Under existing building and layout regulations, no construction whatsoever is permitted in conservation or bio-conservation zones, and even minor residential structures require formal changes in land use classification.
Government Response and Unified Building Rules
Municipal administration officials informed the associations that the government would thoroughly examine the proposal, carefully weighing both advantages and potential drawbacks before making any decision. They indicated that these suggestions might be incorporated into the unified building rules currently being finalized by the department.
The officials emphasized that any policy changes would need to balance development needs with environmental conservation objectives, particularly in sensitive ecological zones protected under existing regulations.
Diverging Views Within Real Estate Community
Not all stakeholders within the real estate industry support the proposed relaxation. A prominent builders' association president strongly opposed any easing of restrictions in GO 111 areas, arguing that permitting construction would fundamentally undermine the purpose of bio-conservation zones designed to protect Hyderabad's ecological balance.
This dissenting voice also highlighted that numerous illegal farmhouses and structures have already emerged in these protected areas, suggesting that further relaxation might exacerbate rather than solve the problem of unauthorized development.
Additional Concessions for Developers
In a separate development, the state government agreed to address another long-standing demand from real estate developers regarding clubhouse facilities in plotted layouts. As buyer expectations evolve, developers emphasized the growing demand for such amenities in residential communities.
The associations proposed making clubhouses optional components of development projects, with partial occupancy certificates issued for completed layouts. Final occupancy certification would then be linked to whether the clubhouse facility is ultimately constructed. Municipal administration officials accepted this suggestion as part of broader approval streamlining efforts.
Streamlined Approval Process and Fee Rationalization
The government also agreed to integrate no-objection certificates from various departments including fire safety and mining into a more efficient approval framework. Additionally, officials assured developers that multiple charges including impact fees, growth corridor fees, development fees, environmental fees, and seigniorage would be rationalized and simplified under the forthcoming unified building rules.
This comprehensive approach aims to create a more transparent and predictable regulatory environment while addressing both development needs and environmental concerns in Hyderabad's rapidly expanding periphery.
