Construction on a skyscraper claiming to reach a world record 838 meters was halted by local authorities, Xiaoxiang Morning Post reported Thursday.

Broad Group, the builder of Sky City in Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei province, had not reported the construction project to relevant government departments, and its starting construction on July 20 prior to government approval was illegal, the report said, citing a government source.

Local departments issued a notice requesting Broad Group go through evaluations on the construction project to get a permit, and other administrative procedures required by law, before they resume construction.

The building, which is expected to be the world's tallest, with 208 floors and a total height of 838 meters, became highly controversial after its builder announced it would take an unprecedented short period of seven months to construct it.