DDA for 'shrinking' Lutyens' Delhi zone

Private properties in areas such as Golf Links, Bengali Market and Sunder Nagar could soon become bigger, taller and more expensive as the government is planning to relax Lutyens' Bungalow Zone (LBZ) norms.

Private properties in areas such as Golf Links, Bengali Market and Sunder Nagar could soon become bigger, taller and more expensive as the government is planning to relax Lutyens' Bungalow Zone (LBZ) norms.

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Though constructed decades after British architect Edwin Lutyens built government bungalows in the city in 1930s, many areas were added under the LBZ in 1988 and 2003. As per the norms, properties in this area cannot be reconstructed easily.

The government now plans to 'shrink' the LBZ area so that more floor area ratio, increased height and basements can be allowed in select localities.

Sources said the Delhi Development Authority has presented a report to the urban development ministry in this regard.

The Delhi Urban Art Commission has also written to lieutenant governor Tejendra Khanna to consider the proposal.

"We are researching how it would look visually and if there is enough infrastructure such as water and power to sustain it," DUAC chairman Raj Rewal said.

Shveta Jain, executive director with real estate consultants Cushman and Wakefield, said if the proposal is approved, it would lead to an increase in the real estate value in these areas.