Seminar on Conservation of Heritage Buildings/Precints in Chennai Metropolitan Area, Proceedings and Recommendations

Purpose of the publication

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority prepared the Seminar on Conservation of Heritage Buildings/Precints in Chennai Metropolitan Area, Proceedings and Recommendations after a seminar held on 8 October 2010. The seminar brought together policy makers, heritage experts, researchers, government and quasi Government officials, and interested citizens to share experience, build awareness and identify future action.

The publication explains that heritage conservation may cover buildings, objects, landscapes, archaeological sites, groups of buildings and other places of historical, cultural, architectural or natural importance. Its metropolitan focus is the conservation of historical and cultural heritage in the Chennai Metropolitan Area.

Existing planning controls described

The proceedings state that some heritage properties are protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 or the Tamil Nadu Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act, 1966. For heritage buildings and precincts in the Chennai Metropolitan Area that are not covered by those notifications, the Second Master Plan contains Development Regulations for listing and conservation through a regulatory process.

For a listed heritage building or precinct:

• Development, redevelopment, additions, alterations, repairs or demolition of all or part of the property require clear written permission from the Member Secretary of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority.
• The Member Secretary acts in consultation with the Heritage Conservation Committee appointed by the Government.
• The Development Regulations provide for access to a repair fund and transferable development rights for eligible private owners. Government bodies, quasi Government agencies, religious institutions, trusts, societies and charitable institutions are excluded from that provision.
• The Heritage Conservation Committee is preparing an inventory and documentation as a prerequisite for statutory notification of the list.

Recommendations and practical relevance

The seminar recommendations call for heritage buildings and precincts to be protected from demolition, damaging repairs, neglect and uncontrolled vegetation. They support strengthening buildings where necessary, extending their useful life and keeping them in active use as a method of conservation.

Owners, buyers, developers and professionals dealing with a listed heritage property should account for the written permission requirement before planning construction, alteration, repair or demolition. The recommendations also support continued identification and listing by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority of heritage properties not covered by international, national or Tamil Nadu lists.