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CH&FC Vs. UDA-CMC
By Marisa de Silva
The Colombo Cricket Club’s (CCC/CH&FC) plans to expand its new sports complex at Maitland Crescent by constructing a mini-supermarket have been turned down by the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) and the Urban Development Authority (UDA) while the project had drawn a negative response from residents of the area.

Following the completion of its latest extension some 1½ years ago, the club decided to extend further facilities to its members through this move. However Municipal Commissioner Dr. Jayantha Liyanage said the CMC had not approved this project as it would tantamount to a change of purpose of the building, that from the primary purpose of recreation to that of a supermarket. Related problems like parking space too would arise, he said.

Dr. Liyanage added that if the CH&FC had decided to open a sports goods store instead, the CMC would have approved it. However if the club was adamant it would have to obtain a special UDA permit, he added. A UDA official said the proposed site of the supermarket was within a Special Primary Residential Zone and that it would go against the purpose of the present functions of the club, which is recreational.

Club chairman Shammi Silva said the proposed supermarket would not be an obstruction or nuisance to anyone as the proposed complex parking area could accommodate around 60 vehicles. The Club had been in existence for the past 150 years with vehicles too driving in and out. Therefore, it was more a commercial rather than a residential area, he claimed. However, Mr. Silva said the club would not go ahead with the project without the necessary approvals.

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