Unauthorised storage placed within a commercial area in Mukim Berakas was ordered to be removed after it was found to contravene Section 23(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act, Chapter 248.
The Planning Authority said the use of parking spaces for storage amounts to the use of public parking areas without Planning Permission, reducing the number of parking spaces available to the public and other tenants.
Parking areas in commercial and industrial zones are common-use facilities intended to serve both the general public and tenants, and should not be encroached upon or misused for personal benefit.
The Authority noted that such activities not only affect public amenities but also diminish the quality and aesthetic value of the area, potentially undermining national efforts to attract investment to Brunei Darussalam.
Following routine monitoring and inspection, the landowner was found to have complied with the Authority’s directive by ceasing the unauthorised activity, removing the storage containers and cleaning the affected area.
The Authority reminded the public that any form of development or change of land use without Planning Permission may pose safety risks and jeopardise public welfare.
Under Section 23 of the Town and Country Planning Act, no person may carry out development, subdivide or amalgamate land, or undertake works without Planning Permission.
Failure to comply with the Act may result in enforcement action, including a fine of up to BND200,000, and for a continuing offence, an additional fine of up to BND10,000 for each day the offence continues after conviction.
Members of the public may contact the Department of Town and Country Planning hotline at 8200 222 for complaints or planning-related advice.