PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has approved a set of measures to bring unapproved housing schemes under regulatory control, improve building plan approvals, and strengthen enforcement against unauthorized construction across the province.
The decisions were taken during a meeting of the Land Use and Building Control Authority (LUBCA) Council, chaired by KP Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi.
The council approved in principle a proposed amendment to the KP Housing Schemes Regulations 2024. The amendment is intended to provide a clearer legal framework for unregistered and illegal housing schemes and establish a process for determining their regulatory status.
The chief minister directed relevant departments to accelerate the assessment of housing schemes operating without approval. Authorities have also been asked to establish a deadline for registration applications. Schemes that fail to submit applications within the specified period or do not meet regulatory requirements could face legal action.
Centralized Building Approval System Under Review
The meeting also examined plans for a centralized mechanism to process building plan approvals through LUBCA. The proposed system would cover development authorities across KP, with the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) excluded from the initial arrangement.
Officials were directed to prepare a final proposal within two weeks on whether the development authorities should be integrated or operate under a centralized approval mechanism. The objective is to improve coordination, transparency, and consistency in building control procedures.
LUBCA Capacity and Fee Structure
The council also considered strengthening LUBCA’s operational capacity through the creation of 21 additional positions.
Members reviewed proposed fees for enlistment and renewal, as well as a uniform debris fee. Both proposals received in-principle approval. A separate proposal to exempt residential building plans covering up to five marlas from the debris fee was referred to the Finance Committee for further consideration.
The existing revenue-sharing formula between LUBCA and Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMAs) will remain unchanged. Under the arrangement, LUBCA receives 25% of the relevant revenue, while TMAs retain 75%.
The council also approved LUBCA’s revised budget for fiscal year 2025-26 and its budget for 2026-27. A Finance Committee will be formed to review and make recommendations on proposals involving financial matters.
The latest measures indicate a broader regulatory push in KP to improve oversight of housing development, building approvals, and unauthorized construction. For property buyers, the implementation of registration deadlines and stricter enforcement could make verification of a housing scheme’s approval status, layout plan, and relevant NOCs increasingly important before purchasing property.
