Master Plan Delay? No Halt to Development: Govt Clears the Air

The Government of Karnataka has issued a crucial clarification through a Government Order dated 24.04.2026 under Section 76-K of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961, ensuring that development activities are not stalled during the period of preparation or revision of Master Plans.

The Order addresses a recurring practical issue—whether development permissions can be granted when a Master Plan is either yet to be approved or is under revision. The Government has now clarified, in unequivocal terms, that planning processes cannot operate to create a vacuum in development regulation.

In respect of newly constituted Local Planning Areas (LPAs) where the first Master Plan has not yet been approved, the Government has directed that development permissions, including conversion opinions, layout approvals, and building plan sanctions, shall continue to be processed in accordance with prevailing statutory provisions and planning norms.

Similarly, in existing Local Planning Areas where a Master Plan is already in force but under revision, all development permissions, including Change of Land Use, layout approvals, and building plan approvals, shall continue to be granted strictly in accordance with the existing approved Master Plan and Zonal Regulations until the revised Master Plan comes into force.

An important aspect of the clarification relates to Change of Land Use (CLU) proposals. The Government has reiterated that such proposals may be submitted until the stage of preparation of the draft Master Plan, subject to their eventual integration into the revised Master Plan in accordance with planning principles.

The underlying intent of the Order is to ensure continuity in governance. The process of preparing or revising a Master Plan is inherently time-consuming, and any interpretation that halts approvals during such periods would adversely impact both planned development and economic activity. The present clarification reinforces the principle that existing statutory and planning frameworks continue to hold the field until replaced by a duly notified plan.

Bengaluru Context

In the context of Bengaluru, where planning jurisdictions are evolving with the role of the Greater Bengaluru Authorityand expansion of Local Planning Areas, this clarification assumes particular significance. Several peripheral and newly added areas are presently in transition, and this Order ensures that approvals in such regions are not delayed on account of procedural uncertainty.

NammaWard Advisory

For landowners, developers, and residents:

• Development approvals are not suspended due to Master Plan revision

• Existing Master Plan and Zonal Regulations continue to govern permissions

• CLU proposals may still be considered within the planning timeline

• Due diligence on applicable LPA status and prevailing regulations remains essential

Reference to Gazette Notification

This clarification forms part of Government Order No. UDD 85 BPRA 2026 dated 24.04.2026, issued by the Urban Development Department, Government of Karnataka, and published in the official Gazette. The detailed notification will be made available for public access and reference alongside this update for ease of understanding and verification.

Bottom Line: The Government has effectively ensured that planning transitions do not translate into development paralysis, while maintaining adherence to the existing legal framework until a revised Master Plan is formally notified.