RES exam question on Planning & Development: URA grants Mr Low's company Provisional Permission for a condominium on 2 February 2026…
URA grants Mr Low's company Provisional Permission for a condominium on 2 February 2026, with conditions from the technical agencies still to clear. His project manager wants to know what the permission allows and how long it lasts. Which of the following is/are correct? (i) The Provisional Permission lapses six months after its grant, unless a longer period is specified or URA directs otherwise. (ii) URA may authorise specified preliminary works to be carried out after granting the Provisional Permission. (iii) Once the Provisional Permission is granted, the main building works may begin at once. (iv) Once the conditions are met within the validity period, URA is to grant written permission.
- A(i) and (iv) only
- B(ii) and (iii) only
- CAll of the above
- D(i), (ii) and (iv) only
Show answer & explanation
Answer
D. (i), (ii) and (iv) only
Explanation
Answer: (i), (ii) and (iv) only. Provisional Permission can allow preliminary works, but the main building works wait for written permission and building plan approval.(i) True. Under s 17(3) it lapses six months after its grant unless a longer period is specified or URA directs otherwise.(ii) True. Under s 17(2) URA may authorise specified preliminary works after granting it.(iv) True. Under s 17(4), where its conditions are complied with during its validity, URA must grant written permission.Rule: URA may grant written permission as a Provisional Permission in the first instance. It is time-limited and conditional, and it does not authorise the main building works.Source: Planning Act 1998 s 17(1), (2), (3), (4), on sso.agc.gov.sg, read 1 Oct 2026
Why the other options are wrong
- (iii) False. Preliminary works may be authorised, but the building works themselves wait for written permission and then building plan approval.
Study the concept behind this question: Planning Permission, Enforcement & Building Control
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