Consent certificate mandatory for plot resale; Govt issues new circular following Kerala Kaumudi report

KOCHI: The government has issued a new circular with strict instructions to the local bodies, taking into consideration Kerala Kaumudi’s news report that brought out the rampant building constructions and land enlargement in violation of the general norms.

Local body secretaries should issue a stop memo if they get information about lands being categorized into plots without development permits (development permits) or layout permits. The plot must be registered with the Bhumikerala Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA) before it can be sold.

The Kerala Kaumudi report of February 11 found anomalies in construction works in the state, violating Rule 31 of the Kerala Building Rules, 2019. According to the rule, it is mandatory to obtain layout approval from the District Town Planning Office or the Local Body Secretary before converting more than 10 plots or land of more than half a hectare into plots. From the scoop, it was found the rule was massively violated. In the report, it was also mentioned that the buyers of this land will be later thrown into a muddle when officials deny building permits citing anomalies.

In the circular, it was suggested that the rules regarding the sale of land as plots should be displayed in the local body offices. The notice required to be displayed should include the Kerala Panchayat / Municipality Building Rules, Rule 4 of 2019 and Section III of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. The secretaries are also directed to present the circular to the Panchayat Committee and Municipal and Corporation Council. A copy should also be sent to the K-RERA Secretary while issuing permission for plot development.

• Make sure that the plot comes with a layout plan
• Documents should be verified at the Registrar and Village Offices
• The road should be five meters wide. The building can be constructed only four meters inward from the road. It should be ensured that the plot is suitable for building construction in compliance with the rules