Friday June 15, 2012
MPPP urged to repeal guidelines that allow for higher housing density
GEORGE TOWN: Penang Gerakan has urged the state government to consider repealing guidelines which allow for an increase in the density of high-rise buildings here.
State Gerakan Local Government bureau chairman Teh Leong Meng(pic) said the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) had approved the increase in the height of buildings between threefold and fourfold upwards.
"The density of housing had been raised from 30 units per 0.404ha to 87 units or 120 units if the project involves low-cost and low medium-cost flats.
"MPPP did not make any official announcement on the amended policy and only sent letters to 18 parties who are mainly the developers. As it takes approximately two years for the approval of building plans, problems have begun to arise now," he told a press conference here yesterday.
The guidelines were revised by MPPP in June 2010.
Teh explained that the amended guidelines might lead to various issues including traffic congestion and hike in property prices.
"In 2008, the draft of Penang Local Plan stated that the density should be maintained at 30 units per 0.404ha but why wasn't it implemented? We are urging the state government to gazette a comprehensive Local Plan to protect the interests of high-rise residents here.
"Besides this, the party also supports the residents' view for a moratorium on high-rise development to be imposed," he said.
This issue emerged following reports on a spate of high-rise development on hillslopes.
On June 6, The Star reported that at least nine projects were believed to be in the pipeline including in Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi, Bukit Gambir near Universiti Sains Malaysia in Gelugor and Sungai Ara.
Pulau Tikus Barisan Nasional coordinator Rowena Yam said there were more high-rise developments sprouting on the island, including a 27-storey commercial project in Solok Moulmein and a 30-storey building in Solok Cantonment.
When contacted, state Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the draft on Penang Local Plan for 2008 had yet to be approved.
"Approval of the draft by the State Planning Committee is being discussed," he said.
Penangites regret high-rise building construction
GEORGE TOWN: Penangites regret the Penang government's move allowing the construction of high-rise buildings especially lxury condomimium projects.
Penang Gerakan local government bureau chief Teh Leong Meng said it received many complaints from residents who are shocked to see their skyline crowded with high rise buildings.
The construction of high rise buildings followed new guidelines introduced by Penang Municipal Council that increased the density of high rise buildings.
The focus of development are in Pykett Avenue with 32 storeys, Jalan Cantonment with 30 storeys and Solok Moulmein with 27 storeys, all in George Town.
Teh said the Penang government had revoked a set of housing policies used by the previous government for 27 years and allowed increase in density.
The density of high rise buildings rose from 30 units per acre to 87 units and 30 units per acre to 120 units for low and medium cost flats.
"This means that the building height has increased by three or four fold. For example, an eight storey building can now become a 32 storey building."
The Penang government had approved and implemented a set of new guidelines on June 28, 2010 without public announcement.
Teh said the increase in density should not have been implemented as the Penang government did nothing to improve the public transportation system.
"The new building guidelines will create traffic congestion as the population density is high and will affect quality of life as the beautiful beaches and hills will disappear from view."
He urged the Penang government to revoke the new building policy and explain why the 2008 draft local plan costing RM3.5 million was not implemented. -- BERNAMA
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