(Bandar Seri Begawan, 28th) — Parking spaces within a commercial building in the Berakas area were found to be illegally used for storage purposes. The authorities have ordered these activities to stop immediately and instructed that the items be relocated to rectify actions in violation of Article 23(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 248).
The Department of Town and Country Planning under the Ministry of Development stated in a press release that the site was used for storage purposes without planning permission, resulting in a reduction of parking spaces originally intended for public use and other tenants, thereby affecting public convenience.
The statement emphasized that whether in commercial or industrial zones, parking spaces are public shared facilities and must be properly maintained for public use. All parties bear responsibility and must not abuse public spaces for personal or private gain.
The authorities pointed out that such violations not only affect the use of public facilities, but also damage the overall quality and aesthetic image of commercial districts. Improper occupation of parking spaces and cluttered environments may negatively impact national efforts to attract foreign investment.
Therefore, the authorities stressed that industrial and commercial areas should always be kept clean, orderly, and in good condition to maintain the country's image.
Following routine inspections and monitoring, the authorities found that the landowner had complied with instructions, ceased the activities, removed the containers and related items, and cleaned the area.
The authorities reminded the public that any land development or change of use without planning permission may present safety risks and impact public welfare. According to Article 23 of the Town and Country Planning Act, no person shall undertake land development, subdivision or amalgamation of land, or carry out any works in conservation areas without planning permission.
Violators, once convicted, may be fined up to BND 200,000. For ongoing offenses, upon conviction, a further fine of up to BND 10,000 per day may be imposed.
For any planning-related complaints or inquiries, the public may call the Department of Town and Country Planning hotline: 8200222.
The Department of Town and Country Planning under the Ministry of Development stated in a press release that the site was used for storage purposes without planning permission, resulting in a reduction of parking spaces originally intended for public use and other tenants, thereby affecting public convenience.
The statement emphasized that whether in commercial or industrial zones, parking spaces are public shared facilities and must be properly maintained for public use. All parties bear responsibility and must not abuse public spaces for personal or private gain.
Therefore, the authorities stressed that industrial and commercial areas should always be kept clean, orderly, and in good condition to maintain the country's image.
Following routine inspections and monitoring, the authorities found that the landowner had complied with instructions, ceased the activities, removed the containers and related items, and cleaned the area.
The authorities reminded the public that any land development or change of use without planning permission may present safety risks and impact public welfare. According to Article 23 of the Town and Country Planning Act, no person shall undertake land development, subdivision or amalgamation of land, or carry out any works in conservation areas without planning permission.
Violators, once convicted, may be fined up to BND 200,000. For ongoing offenses, upon conviction, a further fine of up to BND 10,000 per day may be imposed.
For any planning-related complaints or inquiries, the public may call the Department of Town and Country Planning hotline: 8200222.