ISLAMABAD: The commission on the revision of Islamabad’s master plan on Friday made its recommendations regarding housing societies operating in the federal capital.

The 14th meeting of the commission was held at the CDA headquarters with CDA Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed in the chair.

The commission discussed modalities and procedures for development of private housing schemes.

Sources said the commission suggested that vertical development of housing schemes should also be encouraged and high-rise apartments should be allowed in 15pc of the area.

The sources said the commission was of the view that apartments should also be allowed in 15pc areas of agro farming.

The commission also proposed that plots measuring 90 to 130 square yards should be carved out in societies for low income groups.

The commission also decided not to allow sale of amenity plots in societies, adding they should be leased out.

It was decided that street size in societies should not be less than 40 feet. However, the street size of low income group area should be 30 feet wide. There are over 100 unauthorised housing schemes in the federal capital.

In many housing schemes, their owners have sold out plots reserved for amenities such as schools, parks, mosques, playgrounds and graveyards.

After finalising its recommendations, the commission will present them to the federal government for final approval.

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2019