Chapter - II Development Planning in Chennai Metropolitan Area
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority official guidance chapter, Chapter - II Development Planning in Chennai Metropolitan Area, reviews the major plans prepared for Chennai from the General Town Planning Scheme of 1957 through the Structure Plan of 1980. It explains how the first Master Plan for the Chennai Metropolitan Area introduced land use planning, Development Control Regulations, infrastructure policies and proposals for regulating buildings and land subdivision.
What the chapter covers
Chapter - II Development Planning in Chennai Metropolitan Area is a historical account of planning for Chennai. It describes the General Town Planning Scheme of 1957, the Madras Interim Plan of 1967, the Madras Metropolitan Plan 1971-91, the Madras Urban Development Project of 1974, the first Master Plan for the Madras Metropolitan Area of 1975 and the Structure Plan of 1980.
The chapter does not announce a new approval, amendment or property-specific decision. It explains how earlier planning studies developed into metropolitan land use and development controls.
Development of metropolitan planning
The Madras Corporation prepared the General Town Planning Scheme for the organised growth of the city. After technical scrutiny, more detailed studies were considered necessary, leading to the Madras Interim Plan prepared by the Directorate of Town Planning.
The Madras Metropolitan Plan 1971-91 addressed long-term physical and financial needs. Its proposals included:
- Strategies for urban growth.
- Land acquisition for expansion.
- Transport, water supply, sewerage and drainage infrastructure.
- Slum clearance and public facilities.
- Revenue and institutional arrangements for implementation.
The Madras Urban Development Project focused on practical projects, investment needs and land use control. It later became the basis for World Bank assisted urban development projects.
First Master Plan provisions
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority prepared the first Master Plan as part of its statutory functions under the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971. Land Use and Development Control Regulations formed part of that Master Plan.
The first Master Plan addressed:
- Population distribution and economic activity.
- Future physical development and transport networks.
- Allocation or reservation of land for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, recreational, agricultural and other uses.
- Water supply, drainage, housing, education, medical and recreational facilities.
- Building location, height and size, yards and open spaces.
- Land subdivision, architectural controls, advertisements, trees, historical areas and scenic areas.
- Areas proposed for acquisition for urban development.
Relevance to property owners and buyers
The first Master Plan described in Chapter - II Development Planning in Chennai Metropolitan Area established planning principles affecting how land and buildings could be used and developed. Buyers, owners and professionals may find the chapter useful for understanding the origins of metropolitan land use controls, building regulation, infrastructure planning and proposed land acquisition in Chennai.
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 chapter approve a new land use change for my property?
No new land use approval or property-specific change is stated. The chapter reviews earlier metropolitan plans and describes the scope of the first Master Plan.
What property matters were covered by the first Master Plan?
The first Master Plan covered permitted land uses, building location, height and size, yards, open spaces, land subdivision, architectural and advertisement controls, tree preservation and protection of historical and scenic areas.
Did the first Master Plan identify land for acquisition?
Yes. One of the matters covered was the identification of areas proposed for acquisition for urban development.
Which authority prepared the first Master Plan for the metropolitan area?
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority prepared the first Master Plan as part of its statutory functions under the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971.
