MPPP urged to repeal guidelines that allow for higher housing density

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Gerakan has urged the state government to consider repealing guidelines which allow for an increase in the density of high-rise buildings here.

State Gerakan Local Government bureau chairman Teh Leong Meng (pic) said the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) had approved the increase in the height of buildings between threefold and fourfold upwards.

“The density of housing had been raised from 30 units per 0.404ha to 87 units or 120 units if the project involves low-cost and low medium-cost flats.

“MPPP did not make any official announcement on the amended policy and only sent letters to 18 parties who are mainly the developers. As it takes approximately two years for the approval of building plans, problems have begun to arise now,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

The guidelines were revised by MPPP in June 2010.

Teh explained that the amended guidelines might lead to various issues including traffic congestion and hike in property prices.

“In 2008, the draft of Penang Local Plan stated that the density should be maintained at 30 units per 0.404ha but why wasn’t it implemented? We are urging the state government to gazette a comprehensive Local Plan to protect the interests of high-rise residents here.

“Besides this, the party also supports the residents’ view for a moratorium on high-rise development to be imposed,” he said.

This issue emerged following reports on a spate of high-rise development on hillslopes.

On June 6, The Star reported that at least nine projects were believed to be in the pipeline including in Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi, Bukit Gambir near Universiti Sains Malaysia in Gelugor and Sungai Ara.

Pulau Tikus Barisan Nasional coordinator Rowena Yam said there were more high-rise developments sprouting on the island, including a 27-storey commercial project in Solok Moulmein and a 30-storey building in Solok Cantonment.

When contacted, state Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the draft on Penang Local Plan for 2008 had yet to be approved.

“Approval of the draft by the State Planning Committee is being discussed,” he said. - The Star