Maximum or Optimum of Development?

When it comes to intensity control of development, some planning authorities allow permissible plot ratio and maximum plot ratio as control measure. It simply means permissible plot ratio is the right entitlement for project proponents to develop their land based on what can be allowed by complying with the set guidelines. Whereas the maximum plot ratio is only allowed if the project proponents have proposed extra measures to qualify them for the extra bonus plot ratio. These include measures to improve public accessibility and connectivity, public enjoyment and comfortably, surrounding area's enhancement of environmental quality or any other matters that will benefit the public at large. In other words, it is not automatically granted and should not be construed as "by right I should have". I think when the planning authority comes out with this system, it is with the purpose of encouraging more CSR gesture from the project proponents and to compensate them for doing good to the environment and community. More importantly, it is stated clearly and transparent in the gazette development plan. The argument of I do not know such incentive or the notion of "if you do not allow me for the maximum plot ratio, then you are depriving the development process or no investor will want to come to your city", to me is unacceptable.

However, if the argument is the plot ratio provided is too low compared to the cost of investment, then the planning authority should have done a review on the plot ratio so that it is at par with the capacity of infrastructure and also the aspiration of the city. The saying that "it is not fair to deprive me to entitle for the maximum..." is an under statement itself, i think. What the planning authorities ask is for the project proponents to justify why should you be entitled for the maximum plot ratio and to me if you have contributed towards that entitltement, then it is nothing wrong or shame to request for.