New Delhi: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has revised its policy regarding permission and regularisation of additions and alterations to its flats, allowing owners of upper-floor flats in low-rise housing blocks to construct certain permanent structures, subject to conditions.This is DDA’s first housing policy revision since 2007.According to the revised policy that been rationalised in consultation with ministry of housing and urban affairs and approved by it, owners of flats in two-, three- and four-storey buildings can construct permanent structures over an area created by covering a courtyard or the resultant terrace of the floor below. The move is intended to provide additional usable space while maintaining uniformity in its housing colonies, DDA said.However, such construction will be permitted only if it does not obstruct common circulation areas or interfere with existing utility services. It must also conform to the approved layout plan of the housing pocket and comply with technical and planning provisions.“All cases henceforth will be processed in accordance with the revised policy. Its implementation will be done by DDA or MCD depending on the area. The initiative aims to simplify regularisation process in cases where people have carried out additional construction. Also, it will help check if these additions ensure the safety of a building,” officials said.The revised policy classifies the additions and alterations into three categories. The first covers work that can be carried out without any permission or intimation. The second pertains to work requiring prior permission or intimation as they involve structural modifications, changes in service lines or additional coverage. The third category relates to additional coverage permitted only with prior approval.In another relaxation, DDA has permitted construction of a bathroom and WC in the rear courtyard of eligible flats. Such additions will be allowed only if residents provide proper plumbing with direct connections to the existing drainage, sewage and water supply systems without disturbing utility infrastructure.DDA has clarified that the revised policy applies only to housing structures of up to G+4 storeys. In multi-storey DDA housing complexes, residents will be allowed to undertake only those alterations that fall under the first category of minor modifications.“Applicants must obtain the approved architectural plan of the flat from DDA or MCD, get the proposals prepared by an architect, pay the prescribed building plan scrutiny fee and additional floor area charges, and carry out construction in accordance with building bye-laws and other applicable norms,” the officials said.DDA will examine a proposal and communicate its decision within 30 days. After completion of the work, the owner must inform DDA, which may conduct random inspections. The completed work must also be reported within three years of obtaining the initial permission.
