RES exam question on Planning & Development: Mdm Koh buys a conserved two-storey shophouse in Chinatown, a Historic District

Answer

C. (i), (ii) and (iv) only

Explanation

Answer: (i), (ii) and (iv) only. The guidelines require retention beyond the facade and conservation permission for a use change, and the LBC exemption carries a 2-year completion condition.(i) True. Under the 3R principle of maximum retention, sensitive restoration and careful repair, the timber floors, the party walls and the timber roof structure are to be retained.(ii) True. A material change of use is development, and any development within a conservation area needs conservation permission.(iv) True. The car park deficiency charge is waived if the guidelines are fully complied with and the works completed as approved.Rule: Conservation means keeping the building's fabric, not just its face, and a change of use needs conservation permission. URA's concessions come with conditions.Source: URA Planning Parameters and Restoration Guidelines for Historic Districts (Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India; last updated 26 June 2026); Planning Act 1998, as at 1 October 2026 (sso.agc.gov.sg), ss 3(1) and 12(2)

Why the other options are wrong

• (iii) False. It drops the condition. The LBC exemption on the value uplift from a use change on the conserved floor area applies only if the conservation is carried out as approved and completed within 2 years from the date of conservation permission.