Living in Glass Houses

(11/9/2012)

DenPost reports that The Stones Hotel in Kuta, Bali is being cited for violating zoning and building codes by building a structure that is 6 stories high and failing to incorporate Balinese architectural touches and finishes.

Meanwhile, local residents are protesting the construction of a helipad located on the sixth floor of the building. Neighbors are concerned that the turbulence generated by helicopters using the helipad will create whirlwinds that can sweep roofing tiles off surrounding buildings.

A legislator from the Badung House of Rrepresentatives (DPRD-Badung), Wayan Puspa Negara, said: “A number of local citizens have complained by reporting the problem (helicopter pad) to several lawmakers. I hope that the related agencies of government, particularly the Dinas Cipta Karya (Regional Planning Agency), will have the courage to take corrective action against the hotel’s owner Usman Sapta. If needed, those sections of the hotel violating the rules should be demolished."

Puspa Negara said The Stones Hotel stands out in its location because surrounding building have Balinese ornamentation, while the new property has adopted a “European design” and apparently exceeds maximum height limitations of 15 meters above ground level.

He also questions if the building plans approved for the building permit (IMB) contained details of the helipad and included planning for the impact of such a facility on the hotel’s structure and surrounding areas.

Puspa Negara, who once was involved in a business renting helicopters, added, “I am sure that if a helicopter lands there, surrounding citizens will suffer from the wind turbulence caused by the aircrafts rotors.”