Hanoi will comprehensively revamp its master planning in order to develop a smart and sustainable city, the Government Portal reported.

Accordingly, Hanoi would focus on synchronous and modern development and expanding the scale of urban infrastructure systems, building a number of satellite and smart cities, enhancing land management and environment, among other objectives.

Hanoi aims to become a smart and sustainable city. Photo: Zing

Minister of Construction Pham Hong Ha said that Hanoi needs to accelerate the progress of detailed planning. Currently, only 17% of detailed planning work at 1:500 scale has been carried out, which is hindering the urban development because according to the Law on Planning, investment projects would be allowed only in areas which is planned at the 1:500 scale.

Hanoi should work with the Ministry of Construction to determine which areas need 1:500 planning, Mr. Ha said, adding that the Ministry of Construction will assist Hanoi in planning rural areas.

1:500 detailed planning is the master plan of construction investment projects, the basis for the project positioning, basic design, construction engineering design and implementation.

Mr. Pham Hong Ha also recommended Hanoi immediately adjust the regulation on the height of buildings, especially in the four historic downtown districts to match the reality.

Besides, it is necessary to focus on work out underground space planning in the city, the minister added.

He also suggested that Hanoi should develop regulations on the management of architecture in the whole city. “This is a difficult job and the ministry will coordinate with Hanoi’s authorities to do it. In the short term, it is necessary to immediately establish a municipal architecture council," Mr. Ha emphasized.

Hanoi’s master planning was approved by the prime minister in 2011. According to the Law on Planning Management, it needs to be reviewed and amended every five years.