DTCP revises policy to promote low density and eco-friendly farmhouse colonies in Gurgaon

The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) in Gurgaon has introduced a revised policy to encourage the construction of low density and eco-friendly farmhouse colonies on agricultural land.

The new policy replaces the previous one, which focused on large areas but did not generate any interest among developers. The revised ‘Low Density Eco Friendly Farmhouse Policy’ is aimed at promoting projects that are based on ecologically sensitive principles of design and development.

Under the new policy, such projects can be developed on a minimum area of 25 acres in Gurgaon, 15 acres in Sohna, and 10 acres in Pataudi and Farrukhnagar. This marks a significant departure from the previous 2019 policy, which required developers to invest in a minimum of 100 acres. The policy also sets a cap on the number of residents per acre at 25.

In addition to the minimum area requirements, the policy mandates that these colonies install solar plants, stormwater recycling systems, sewage treatment plants, and waste management facilities. Each plot should also have at least 20 trees planted, and there should be a facility to utilize and recycle biodegradable waste.

To apply for a license to develop on agricultural land, a developer must submit a request within the city’s master plan. External development charges (EDC) will not be levied for land outside urban areas. If the land is within 500 meters of an urban area, the developer will be charged 50% of the EDC, which is usually charged for residential colonies. However, all other fees and charges, including scrutiny fees, license fees, conversion charges, and others, will remain the same as those for normal plotted residential colonies in the city.

The revised policy will also help authorities “keep check on construction of illegal farmhouses” while setting guidelines for eco-friendly farmhouses with solar power, rainwater harvesting, and other features. The policy allows for a farmhouse of 1 acre-1.5 acres to utilize 300sqm for construction, which increases to 400sqm and 500sqm if the farmhouse area is 1.5 acre-2 acre and 2 acres-2.5 acres respectively.

The policy stipulates that a farmhouse can be a three-storey structure up to 12 meters in height, or a two-storey building up to 7 meters in height. A basement can be built as per the provisions of the Haryana Building Code 2017. Internal roads should be at least 9 meters wide, and each farmhouse can be between one to 2.5 acres in size. The approach road to the colony should be 12 meters wide or more.

Each gated colony can have a club, and 80% of the total area can be sold by the developer. There is also a provision for shops limited to a 1,000sqft (or 93sqm) commercial space. Of the saleable area, 4% can be designated for agriculture-based non-polluting service industries, but this won’t be mandatory.

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