KARACHI, Oct 8: The Anomaly Committee formed by the Sindh government to discuss and examine the Karachi Building and Town Planning Regulations-2002 (KB&TPR), on Tuesday opined that the procedures regarding building by-laws need to be simplified for the convenience of citizens.

Discussing objections and observations made by allottees, architects, engineers and builders concerning the KB&TP Regulations-2002, the committee, which met here with chief controller of buildings, Brig A. S. Nasir in the chair, emphasized the need for making the building by-laws in accordance with the needs and comfort of the allottees.

Reiterating that the KBCA has no objection in raising highrise buildings in the city’s coastal areas, the CCOB urged the committee to expedite its working, so that its recommendations and observations could be submitted to the government for its perusal and incorporation in the KB&TP Regulations-2002.

Describing the commercial standards of the compulsory open space (COS) above 30 feet that is to be left (which is equal to 10 per cent of building height) inside or rear as ‘unworkable’ from the architectural and structural point of view, the meeting underscored the need for reviewing the clause pertaining to the COS.

Referring to the KB&TP Regulations’ clause pertaining to the basement, the meeting said that although the clause defines the basement’s position, it did not speak about its uses. The basement can be used for habitable, commercial as well as for parking purposes, opined the KBCA officials attending the meeting.

They were also of the view that the condition of arcades for plots situated in the old city area might be kept as an option, and should not be mandatory.

The other objections concerning compulsory open space, subdivision of plots, conversion of residential plots into commercial plots, amalgamation of plots for CNG stations, provision of parking spaces and ramps were also discussed in detail.