Mumbai, Nov 16: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has denied permission to Hotel Leelaventure Ltd to expand its hotel project near Mumbai airport's Sahar terminal beyond 50 feet as it is imposing height restrictions on the area.

The AAI board, which met in Delhi last week, while approving the hotel project, said the airport "by-laws must be strictly adhered to". It also shortlisted four foreign firms for opening duty-free shops. AAI sources said earlier the hotel had to revise its plans at least twice. The hotel's vice chairman and managing director Vivek nair has confirmed that height restrictions have been imposed. He will be appealing to AAI as the hotel and surrounding buildings are beyond 50 feet.

The hotel, if built under the revised plans, will not exceed four floors, he said. Funds will be generated internally for constructing the new project, he said.

Leelaventure had signed a 30-year lease agreement with AAI in February 1996 for 11,000 square metres of land for the expansion of its hotel by 150 rooms at a cost of Rs 70 crore next to its present complex and even commenced excavation work expecting the necessary approvals.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.