The area was set to be used for a commercial area, courtyards, gardens and internal roads but the proposed change would have allowed the construction of a complex of high-rise offices, hotels and residences.

Serious violations of Law on Land Planning
Hanoi’s major urban centers viewed from above

The entrance to Ciputra urban area in Hanoi's Bac Tu Liem District. — Photo dantri.com.vn

Nguyen The Hung, Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee, said the committee has rejected the proposal to increase the construction density and the number of floors permitted for buildings on a land plot in the urban area.

The 55,000 square metre plot was approved for the construction of five buildings with heights between five and 47 floors. The proposal would have allowed buildings between eight and 68 floors.

The change would have also adjusted the purpose of the plot. A complex of high-rise offices, hotels and residences would be built with a total capacity of nearly 3,000 people instead of the previously planned commercial area and gardens.

After receiving the request from the investor, the committee had asked the Department of Planning and Architecture to clarify the proposal. The land use change would have required the consensus of the community living in the urban area, but residents sent petitions to the committee to oppose it.

After consideration, the Department of Planning and Architecture said Ciputra residents did not agree with the adjustment and it therefore could not move forward. Nam Thang Long Urban Area Development Co.Ltd said the land use must not be changed.

The committee has asked the Department of Planning and Architecture to co-ordinate with the people's committees of Tay Ho and Bac Tu Liem districts to have a dialogue with residents and clarify the situation.

VNS