Chapter XII, Spatial Strategy and Land Use Planning
Chapter XII, Spatial Strategy and Land Use Planning, issued by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, sets out the proposed spatial growth, land use zoning and development approach for the Chennai Metropolitan Area up to 2026. No government order number or issue date is stated in the supplied chapter, and the text does not state that it supersedes or amends another document.
What the chapter covers
Chapter XII, Spatial Strategy and Land Use Planning explains how transport corridors, infrastructure projects and major developments are expected to reshape the Chennai Metropolitan Area. It anticipates a shift from a half star urban form with green wedges towards concentric half circles, with medium density development and some high rise buildings outside Chennai City limits.
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority is identified as the main agency for ensuring orderly spatial development.
Spatial planning approach
The spatial plan seeks to:
- Direct development towards suitable locations and make optimum use of land.
- Meet future land needs while strengthening infrastructure links.
- Integrate work, housing, shopping and recreation through transport networks.
- Decentralise employment and economic activity.
- Protect ecologically sensitive areas and natural and built heritage.
- Encourage growth along major corridors and strengthen satellite towns.
- Preserve forests, streams, tanks, eries, swamps, water recharge areas and other land unsuitable for urban development.
Land use zoning
The plan identifies Primary Residential, Mixed Residential, Commercial, Institutional, Industrial, Special and Hazardous Industrial, Open Space and Recreational, Non-urban, Agricultural and Urbanisable zones.
The Urbanisable zone allows environmentally safe urban uses without fixing a single use in advance. Employment generating activities are concentrated along major transport corridors and may also be allowed to a limited extent in mixed residential and commercial zones. Coastal zoning follows the stated coastal regulation requirements.
Development controls and buyer relevance
The Development Control Rules were reviewed to align with the proposed zoning and urban structure. The listed revisions include:
- Allowing multi-storeyed buildings in the rest of the Chennai Metropolitan Area, subject to stated exclusions.
- Treating buildings exceeding six dwelling units as special buildings.
- Allowing information technology buildings and bio-informatics centres in Mixed Residential, Commercial and Institutional zones.
- Allowing working women's hostels and old age homes in Primary Residential areas.
- Providing restricted development in aquifer recharge areas.
- Providing for heritage building conservation and transfer of development rights in specified situations.
Property buyers and owners should identify the land use zone shown in the applicable Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority map. The chapter states that restricting reclassification and open layout development would help prevent urban sprawl beyond areas zoned for urban development.
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 the plan create a new type of land use zone?
Yes. It introduces an Urbanisable zone in addition to nine other designated zones. The Urbanisable zone is intended to accommodate environmentally safe urban uses based on demand without fixing one particular use in advance.
Can multi-storeyed buildings be developed outside Chennai City?
The listed revisions permit multi-storeyed buildings in the rest of the Chennai Metropolitan Area, excluding Island Grounds, approved layout areas, aquifer recharge areas and the Redhills catchment area.
How can I find the proposed zoning for a property?
The chapter identifies the land use plans through Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority map series for Chennai City and the wider Chennai Metropolitan Area. It also notes separate approved detailed development plan coverage for Thiruverkadu Municipality and Senneerkuppam village.
Does the plan protect water bodies and environmentally sensitive land?
Yes. Forests, streams, tanks, eries, swamps, water recharge areas and other unsuitable lands are identified for protection from urbanisation, while development in aquifer recharge areas is restricted.
