Residents unhappy with approvals given to excessive renovations

Last Updated on Sunday, 19 February 2012 11:25 Friday, 17 February 2012 10:35

Renovating a house from double-storey to three storeys is becoming a trend in Kuala Lumpur and many neighbouring residents are against the move as it will change the facade of the area.

Residents of Jalan Bukit Midah, Taman Midah, Cheras, said a house in their area was being converted from two storeys to three.

Resident Max Cheong, 46, said the construction started early last year.

“There was no signboard showing approval was given. The construction work damaged the road and pathway in the area as the lorries were bringing in the materials,” he said, adding that some of the residents have been living there for almost 40 years.

“The renovation work is changing the facade of the area as all the houses here are two storeys,” he said, adding the construction work was also being done on weekends.

“The contractor refused to show their approval when asked by the residents,” he said.

Another resident, John Yeong, said giving approval would start a chain reaction of extensions for additional floors.

“Once someone starts, everyone will follow. Everyone would then be building a three-storey house.

“There will be a few houses that are higher than others and that would completely change the design and look of the area. The house that is now under construction looks as if it is more than three storeys high,” he said.

Residents in Jalan Ara, Bangsar, are also unhappy with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for approving the conversion of a double-storey house into a three-storey one citing that it was changing the facade of the area.

From The Star