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Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)
Circulars

Minor Changes in Conservation Shophouses that comply with Conservation Guidelines and do not require Amendment Plan submission

31 January 2001

Tags

Conservation

Circular No : URA/PB/2001/03-CUDD

Our Ref : DC 602/11-12

CIRCULAR TO PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES

  1. Upon grant of Conservation Permission from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), owners normally proceed to carry out restoration works to conservation shophouses. In the course of these works, some changes have to be made in order to comply with the requirements of other technical departments. These changes, if major, will require submission of Amendment to Approved Plans to the URA for approval. Only minor changes that comply with conservation guidelines do not require plan submission as they do not materially affect the character of the conservation shophouses.

  2. We attach a list of the minor changes that do not require amendment plan submission to the URA. See Annexure 1 below.

  3. We would appreciate it if you could convey the contents of this circular to members of your organisation. If you or your members have any queries concerning this circular, please do not hesitate to e-mail ura_cu@ura.gov.sg would also be pleased to answer queries on this and any other development control matter. For your information, the past circulars to the professional institutes are available from our website.

Thank You.

TEH LAI YIP (MRS)
AG DIRECTOR
CONSERVATION & URBAN DESIGN
for CHIEF PLANNER
URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Annexure 1

1.

Roof


Deletion of existing or approved soffit at underside of roof eave or addition of new soffit using plaster board with timber frame.

2.

Jackroof


Change in design and infill material used for the opening of the jackroof. The infill may be fixed or openable of any material. If metal is used for the infill, it shall be anodised or colour coated.

3.

Skylight


  1. Change in position and size of skylight, provided it is not more than 30% of the surface area of the subject slope of the roof.

  2. Change in design and material of skylight, provided the material is transparent or translucent on timber or metal frame. The skylight can consist of glass louvres or retractable panels. Metal frames shall be painted, anodised or colour coated.

  3. Addition of solar panels provided, they form part of the 30% allowable for skylight.

4.

Residential Front


Change in infill material of the panels of windows or doors at residential fronts of street blocks for commercial use, provided the infill material is timber or glass on timber frame.

5.

Secondary Window and Door


  1. Deletion of approved secondary windows or doors or addition of new ones.

  2. Change in design and infill material of the panels of secondary windows or doors, provided the infill material is timber, or tinted, coloured or obscure glass on timber frame.

6.

Window Screen


  1. Deletion* of existing or approved window screens at residential fronts or addition of new ones of traditional design.

  2. Change in infill material of the panels of window screens, provided the infill material is of traditional materials like timber or obscure glass on timber frame.

* - For conservation houses within the Residential Historic Districts, existing window screens must be retained and restored. Their deletion is not allowed.

7.

Pintu Pagar


  1. Deletion* of existing or approved pintu pagar at residential fronts or addition of new ones of traditional design.

  2. Change in infill material of the panels of the pintu pagar, provided the infill material is of traditional materials like timber or obscure glass on timber frame.

* - For conservation houses within the Residential Historic Districts, existing pintu pagar must be retained and restored. Their deletion is not allowed.

8.

Five-Foot Way


  1. Deletion of existing or approved ramps or steps at five-foot way or addition of new ones, provided they comply with the requirements of the relevant technical departments.

  2. Change in flooring material at five-foot way, provided it is not of a highly polished gloss finish.

  3. Deletion of existing or approved false ceiling at five-foot way or addition of new ones using plaster or timber board on timber frame.

  4. Change in design and material of false ceiling at the main entrance of the building using alternative compatible material.

9.

End Gable Wall/Rear Facade of Main Building/Rear Service Block


  1. Change in design and material of windows, inclusive of transom above windows, provided they comply with the guidelines for the respective conservation areas.

  2. Deletion or repositioning of vents or doors, or addition of new ones.

  3. Change in design and material of vents which can be of any material. If metal is used, it shall be anodised or colour coated.

10.

Rear Boundary Wall


  1. Change in design and material of windows, inclusive of transom above windows, provided they comply with the guidelines for the respective conservation areas.

  2. Deletion or repositioning of vents or doors, or addition of new ones.

  3. Change in design and material of vents which can be of any material. If metal is used, it shall be anodised or colour coated.

  4. Change in material of doors using timber or metal. If metal is used, it shall be anodised or colour coated.

11.

Rear Court


Change in material of roof cover, provided it is of lightweight material or same roof tile as the main roof. If aluminium or metal roof is used, it shall be anodised or colour coated. Natural colour aluminium is not allowed.

12.

Airwell


  1. Repositioning of cover over airwell, provided the height of the cover is lower than the eave of the main roof.

  2. Change in design and material of windows, inclusive of transom above windows, provided they comply with the guidelines for the respective conservation areas.

  3. Deletion or repositioning of vents or addition of new ones.

  4. Change in design and material of vents which can be of any material. If metal is used, it shall be anodised or colour coated.

13.

Exhaust Fan


  1. Deletion or repositioning of exhaust fans or addition of new ones at the rear facade or rear service block facing the rear court.

  2. Change in material of exhaust fan which can be of any material. If metal is used, it shall be anodised or colour coated.

14.

Air-Condensing Units


Deletion of approved number of air-condensing units.