The Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971 (1971)
The Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971, Act 35 of 1972, is primary law enacted by the State of Tamil Nadu, with an effective date listed as 1 January 1971. It establishes planning authorities, development plans, land use controls, planning permission procedures, development charges, enfo...
What the law governs
The Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971, Act 35 of 1972, provides the legal framework for town and country planning in Tamil Nadu. It covers regional planning areas, local planning areas, new town development areas and the Madras Metropolitan Planning Area.
The law provides for regional plans, master plans, new town development plans and detailed development plans. It also covers the approval, commencement, variation, modification and revocation of these plans.
Who may be affected
The Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971 may affect owners, buyers, developers, occupiers, companies and public authorities where land or buildings are within a planning area or development plan. Its provisions are relevant when land is developed, a building operation is proposed, an existing use is changed or unauthorised development is identified.
Property buyers and owners may need to consider whether:
- The land use or proposed development conforms to an applicable development plan.
- Restrictions apply to buildings or land in the planning authority area.
- An application for development permission is required.
- Land is specified in a development plan for purchase or acquisition.
- Development charges may be assessed and recovered.
- Enforcement, compensation, appeal or review provisions apply.
Key provisions
The Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971 provides for:
- Appointment of the Director of Town and Country Planning and other officers.
- Creation and incorporation of town and country planning authorities.
- Establishment and powers of the Madras Metropolitan Development Authority.
- Preparation of land and building use maps and development plans.
- Government or Director approval of plans and public notice of their preparation.
- Acquisition, purchase, release and disposal of land, with provisions concerning compensation.
- Control of land use and development, including permission, conditions, duration, revocation and modification.
- Removal or stoppage of unauthorised development and restoration of property.
- Levy, assessment, collection and recovery of development charges.
- Appeals, revision, review, penalties and offences by companies.
Status of the supplied text
PRS Legislative Research states that the supplied material is for information and has not been independently verified. PRS Legislative Research also warns that principal Acts may not include every later amendment. A buyer, owner or professional should consult the relevant state department, the latest government publication or the gazette notification for authoritative text.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does this law require development to follow an approved plan?
Yes. The Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971 provides that the use and development of land must conform to the development plan and includes restrictions on buildings and land within a planning authority area.
Can a planning authority act against unauthorised construction or development?
Yes. The Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971 includes powers to require removal of unauthorised development, stop unauthorised development and restore property dealt with in contravention of its land use and development controls.
Can land shown in a development plan be acquired or released?
Yes. The Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971 contains provisions for acquiring or purchasing land specified in a development plan, releasing land and addressing rights to compensation.
Is there a way to challenge a planning decision?
The Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971 provides routes for appeal, revision and review, including appeals to the Director or Tribunal and revision by the District Court in the cases covered by the law.
