Ban on lofty buildings extended

PHUKET: The ban on building construction at heights of 80 meters above sea level or higher will continue for at least another year, it was announced today. Prasong Iam-anun, head of the National Environment Board committee evaluating construction laws in Phuket, made the announcement this morning at The Metropole hotel, where 400 people gathered for a public hearing of proposed changes to the ban. The regulation is being contested by both farmers who want to build on their hill-based properties and by a committee of provincial officials supporting hillside development. The representatives of the farmers proposed to allow buildings up to eight meters tall with a total living space of up to 150 square meters, while the provincial committee advocated to allow buildings up to six meters tall with a total living space of up to 100 sqm. K. Prasong explained that the purpose of the committee meetings, held yesterday and today, was to review local feedback on proposed changes to the regulation. However, he added, this was just the first part of the committee’s function. It will also review the environmental impact of the proposed changes. The committee is expected to announce its recommendations this evening.