Community and environmental activists are optimistic after a court signaled it may cancel the construction permit for a nearly 1,500-unit condo.
Two years after construction of a THB2.8-billion project in the capital’s Lak Si district was suspended, an environmental group yesterday said it was optimistic comments from the court last week would lead to it being scrapped, which would set a strong precedent for the community rights.
The Nation reports justice commissioner Sathiwen Thivthong asserted the building’s environmental impact assessment was not legally compliant because it did not consult with neighbors.
Those neighbors complained of dust and vibration, and the project was halted two years ago after falling debris damaged homes.
Shutting down a real estate through the courts would be a significant development in a city where development goes little-checked by planning or regulations. Recent signs indicate some interest in stepping up enforcement, such last month’s court decision ordering the demolition of an illegally built luxury hotel in the heart of downtown.
On Feb. 13 the court is scheduled to issue its ruling on the Aspire condo project, located just off Ngam Wong Wan Road on Soi Chinnakhet.
A spokesman for developer AP (Thailand) defended the approval process, saying local residents were consulted and the environmental impact report was compliant.
Vittakarn Chandavimol said the developer would consider its options if the administrative court rules against it.
“Only after the verdict really comes out, can we decide if we will take any action like lodging an appeal to the Supreme Administration Court,” he said.
Neighbors first filed suit in 2011 to stop the project along with the Stop Global Warming Association. They also named senior district officials, the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, and a group of environmental reporting experts.
Srisuwan Janya of Stop Global Warming said a verdict in their favor would send a strong message to officials about the impacts of development and respecting the rights of local residents.
“SGWA will take action against many more offending condo projects,” he said.
Source: The Nation
TOP: The Aspire Ngamwonwang project as it appeared in March, 2012. Photo: Google
