‘Under study’ plots in Northern towns off-limits for housing, ministry says

TDT | Manama

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Privately owned plots in Sadad, Malkiya and Karzakkan (12th Constituency) marked “under study” cannot be used for housing until planning and traffic assessments are completed, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has told MP Hanan Fardan.

In a written reply, the ministry said the “US” designation applies to private land affected by proposed changes in land use, road widening or other planning considerations. Final classification will be determined once the necessary technical reviews are completed. As the plots are privately owned, they cannot be allocated to government housing projects.

The ministry said land classification is governed by the National Strategic Master Plan 2030, adopted under Decree No. 36 of 2016, with zoning maps for each governorate issued by ministerial decisions in 2017. These maps set permitted land uses and building requirements and are updated when required by planning studies or government programmes.

It added that government land may be reclassified following technical studies and coordination with relevant authorities, while private owners must apply for changes through the electronic planning platform “Takhteet”. Any approved amendment is issued by ministerial decision and published in the Official Gazette.

Responding to a request for details on plots designated for places of worship, parks and car parks in the constituency, the ministry said updated classification maps had been provided and referred to Ministerial Decision No. 93 of 2023, which outlines planning and building standards for those uses.

The ministry said it would continue coordinating with Parliament to support urban development and housing projects.