Official guidance, Tamil Nadu land law
Stopping Matrix Guidelines for Land Use Reclassification Applications
The Office of the Commissioner of Town and Country Planning issued Circular Roc. No. 5862/2013/MP3, dated 21 May 2013, directing all subordinate officers to stop using the matrix-form parameters previously communicated for forwarding master plan land use reclassification applications. The circular confirms that officers must instead follow the office note dated 10 June 2009, which recorded an instruction to stop the matrix.
What the circular does
The Office of the Commissioner of Town and Country Planning issued Circular Roc. No. 5862/2013/MP3, dated 21 May 2013, to clarify the procedure for handling applications to reclassify land use zones under a master plan. It directs all subordinate officers to stop following the matrix-form guidelines described as the “Parameters for Reclassification of land use”.
The matrix had been communicated through Office Circular Roc. No. 9597/99 MP, dated 25 March 1999. Circular Roc. No. 5862/2013/MP3 confirms that the later office note dated 10 June 2009 must be followed instead. According to the circular, that office note recorded an instruction, based on minutes of a meeting of the Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department dated 22 May 2009, that use of the matrix should stop.
Why the clarification was issued
The Member Secretary of the Thanjavur Local Planning Authority asked whether the matrix-form guidelines were still to be followed. The request was made through letter Roc. No. 312/2013 TLPA, dated 18 March 2013.
In response, the Office of the Commissioner of Town and Country Planning clarified that the office note dated 10 June 2009 applies to subordinate officers as well as officers in the main office.
Who is affected
Circular Roc. No. 5862/2013/MP3 is addressed to all subordinate officers. Copies were also sent to:
- All Assistant Directors at the head office.
- All Planning Assistants and Supervisors at the head office.
Property owners, buyers and professionals may encounter the circular when a land use reclassification application is being forwarded or processed by planning officials. The circular changes the internal guidance those officers are instructed to use. It does not state that any particular property is reclassified or that a pending application is approved or rejected.
Key points for applicants
- The earlier matrix-form parameters are not to be followed.
- Subordinate officers must adhere to the office note dated 10 June 2009.
- The circular does not reproduce the replacement procedure or criteria contained in that office note.
- The circular asks recipients to acknowledge receipt by return post.
- A copy of the office note dated 10 June 2009 was enclosed with the circular.
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
Are the old matrix-form land use reclassification parameters still applicable?
No. Circular Roc. No. 5862/2013/MP3, dated 21 May 2013, directs subordinate officers to stop following the matrix and to follow the office note dated 10 June 2009.
Does this circular reclassify my land?
No. The circular gives procedural guidance to officers handling land use reclassification applications. It does not reclassify any identified property.
What guidance replaces the matrix?
The circular says that the Office of the Commissioner of Town and Country Planning office note dated 10 June 2009 must be followed. The source does not reproduce the procedure or criteria in that office note.
Who must follow this clarification?
The circular directs all subordinate officers to follow the office note. Copies were also sent to all Assistant Directors, Planning Assistants and Supervisors at the head office.
