RES exam question on Planning & Development: URA conservation requirements
A developer acquires a conserved shophouse in the Chinatown conservation area and plans to carry out restoration works. Consider the following statements about URA conservation requirements: (i) The developer must preserve and restore the external building facade to its original historical appearance; internal layout may be altered more freely. (ii) The developer may apply to URA for a change of use, subject to it being compatible with the conservation area's character. (iii) Conservation buildings are exempt from paying the Land Betterment Charge if the development intensity is increased during restoration. (iv) If the building is on the Preservation of Monuments Act register, additional consent from NHB is required before any alteration works. Which statements are CORRECT?
- A(i), (ii) and (iii) only
- B(i), (iii) and (iv) only
- C(i), (ii) and (iv) only
- D(ii), (iii) and (iv) only
Show answer & explanation
Answer
C. (i), (ii) and (iv) only
Explanation
(i) CORRECT — URA conservation guidelines prioritise preservation of the external envelope (facade, roof profile, external walls) while allowing more flexibility for internal layouts, provided the internal character-defining elements (original staircases, structural timber, internal courtyard) are also considered. The "external envelope" obligation is the core conservation requirement. (ii) CORRECT — changes of use in conservation areas are permissible if they are compatible with the area's conservation character; URA evaluates compatibility as part of the Written Permission process. LBC applies when development intensity is increased; conservation status may affect the approach but does not grant a blanket exemption. (iv) CORRECT — buildings gazetted under the Preservation of Monuments Act 2009 (administered by NHB through its Preservation of Sites and Monuments division) are under the purview of the National Heritage Board (NHB); any alterations require NHB's consent in addition to URA planning permission.
Why the other options are wrong
- (iii) INCORRECT — conservation buildings are NOT automatically exempt from the Land Betterment Charge (LBC).
Study the concept behind this question: Planning & Development Control: URA Master Plan, Zoning, GFA
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