Building of service apartments in hotels allowed: Government

NEW DELHI: Urban Development Ministry has approved a proposal to allow building of service apartments in hotels in national capital as a part of review of Master Plan of Delhi-2021.

Delhi Development Authority has made a proposal in this regard after detailed deliberations, inviting suggestions and objections in this regard, said a senior UD Ministry official.

DDA will issue a formal notification in this regard shortly.

As per the change approved in the Development Controls for Commercial Centres pertaining to hotels, a maximum of 40 per cent of floor area ration (FAR) can be used for the commercial offices, retail and service shops and residential purposes.

However, residential units would be permissible up to a maximum of 20 per cent of this. For example, for a plot of 10,000 sq mt area, area permissible for commercial and residential purposes at the rate of 40 per of the FAR will be 4,000 sq mt. Out of this, area allowed for residential purpose at the rate of 20 per cent would be 800 sq mt.

Transfer of ownership of such residential units built in hotels would be permissible only if the hotel land is freehold. If the land is leasehold, transfer of ownership would be allowed only after DDA frames Rules for this purpose.

Earlier, FAR of 20 per cent only was allowed for commercial purposes which now stands increased to 40 per cent with the inclusion of residential use. This additional FAR will be allowed subject to payment of charges to be prescribed.

The official said that the modification allowed by the Ministry will address the needs of special category of persons/visitors/tourists/business delegations from both within and outside the country who would like to stay for longer period which is not allowed in hotels.

This would also help improve the viability of hospitality industry through increased commercial uses like shopping services, sale of handicrafts.

PTI