Residential Area Unauthorized Industrial Operation: Planning Authority Decisively Demolishes

(Bandar Seri  Begawan, 9th) An illegal workshop located in the residential land of Kampong Kilanas Mukim Kilanas has been ordered by the Brunei Planning Authority to cease operations for violating relevant provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) Chapter 248, and the unauthorized extensions have been forcibly demolished.

According to a statement released by the Planning Authority, this illegal operation involved industrial activities on two residential land plots without obtaining the planning permission stipulated under Section 23(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act. Since the area is designated for residential use, development for industrial purposes is deemed inappropriate and poses a potential threat to the safety and living environment of surrounding residents.

The Planning Authority indicated that there had never been any application for permission to conduct such industrial activities in this residential zone. After enforcement actions, the relevant landowner ceased all illegal operations and relocated the workshop to a compliant industrial area.

The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) reiterated in the statement that carrying out development, partition, merger, or construction work without obtaining planning permission is illegal and may adversely affect public safety and community order.

According to the Town and Country Planning Act, any violator can be fined up to BND 200,000; if they continue to violate after conviction, they can be additionally fined up to BND 10,000 for each day.

The Planning Authority also urges the public to strictly adhere to the relevant planning regulations and to obtain necessary approvals before undertaking any land development or change of use. For complaints or inquiries, you can call 8200 222, or email tcp.aduan@tcp.gov.bn to contact the authority.