RES exam question on Planning & Development: URA's Provisional Permission and Written Permission for development
Consider these statements about URA's Provisional Permission (PP) and Written Permission (WP) for development. Which statements are correct? (i) Provisional Permission lapses if the required conditions are not satisfied within the specified period (typically 6 months, extendable). (ii) Written Permission is required before any building works or change of use may commence on a site. (iii) Provisional Permission is an in-principle planning approval that may be subject to conditions. (iv) An applicant may commence construction work immediately upon receiving Provisional Permission.
- A(ii) and (iii) only
- B(i) only
- C(ii) only
- D(i), (ii) and (iii) only
Show answer & explanation
Answer
D. (i), (ii) and (iii) only
Explanation
Issue: what each planning permission allows. Rule: under the Planning Act 1998, Provisional Permission is URA's in-principle approval of a development proposal, subject to conditions, and it lapses if the conditions are not met and Written Permission obtained within the stated period, generally 6 months (ura.gov.sg, as at September 2026). Written Permission is needed before development, including building works or a material change of use, may begin. Application: (iii) is correct, because PP is a conditional in-principle approval. (i) is correct, because PP lapses if its conditions are not met in time. (ii) is correct, because works and changes of use need WP first. The order is PP, then WP, then BCA building plan approval, then construction, TOP and CSC. Conclusion: (i), (ii) and (iii) only.
Why the other options are wrong
- (iv) is wrong: PP alone never permits construction.
Study the concept behind this question: Planning & Development Control: URA Master Plan, Zoning, GFA
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