Cuttack, Feb. 24: Orissa High Court today directed the Puri Konark Development Authority to consider its decision to start proceedings against hotels for unauthorised construction by exercising the Odisha Development Authority Act.

The court also directed the authority to review its decision to issue notices to the hotels for unauthorised construction and demolition after prescribing nine metres height and 33 per cent floor area ratio or plinth area coverage as they were in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)-II.

Areas that have been developed within the municipal limits up to or close to the shoreline are categorised under the CRZ-II.

The single-judge bench of Justice Biswanath Rath felt that the authority, under the Environment Protection Act, had no role to play taking the help of the act but to act strictly in terms of the CRZ notification.

According to the CRZ notification, issued by the Centre, for urban areas, the existing building regulations of the Municipal Act were applicable.

Over 80 hotel owners had challenged the notices in the high court.