The CCAC said authorities had already proposed lowering the maximum building height from 90 metres to 60 metres above sea level following intervention by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, which warned of potential impacts on the view of the Guia Lighthouse.
The project in Avenida do Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues 465-513 can only move forward once the World Heritage Centre issues its resolution in the next phase.
The inquiry stemmed from a complaint by an association, which argued that the 2020 draft planning proposal failed to specify plot and coverage ratios, allegedly breaching the Urban Planning Law.
The CCAC, however, determined that the public works departments acted in accordance with Administrative Guideline no. 01/DSSOPT/2009, which sets standards for land coverage and plot ratios. The guideline is publicly available online and used as the benchmark for vetting building indicators, the watchdog noted.
Authorities have already completed two phases of heritage impact assessments and urban design studies for the Avenida Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues area, recommending the 60-metre height cap.
The Cultural Affairs Bureau and public works departments have pledged to suspend vetting and approval of plans in the area, including Land Plot 134, until UNESCO formally accepts the findings.
