PLANNING AUTHORISATION FOR CHANGE OF USE OF COMMERCIAL PREMISES IN BUSINESS PARK DEVELOPMENTS ON JTC’S LAND AND PA’S COMMUNITY CENTRES/CLUBS
Development Control
2 February 2026
Circular No : URA/PB/2026/01-DCG
Our Ref : DC/ADMIN/CIRCULAR/PB_26
CIRCULAR TO PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES
Who Should Know:
Business operators, real estate agents, architects and engineers
Effective Date:
With immediate effect
This circular sets out the new change of use authorisation scheme for commercial premises in Business Park (BP) developments on land owned or leased by JTC and in Community Centres/Clubs (CCs) managed by People’s Association (PA).
Background
Previously, changes in commercial uses within approved commercial premises of BP developments on land owned or leased by JTC and within standalone CCs managed by PA require planning applications and approvals. Some selected commercial uses could also be granted instant approval upon a change of use lodgment application with the URA. Prior written consent from JTC or PA as landowner/landlord is required to submit the planning application for the change in use within their respective premises.
New authorisation schemes
As part of URA’s continuous efforts to simplify the change of use approval process and reduce business cost for the industry, business operators proposing changes in commercial uses (e.g. change from shop to restaurant use) within approved commercial premises in BPs on land owned or leased by JTC1 and in CCs managed by PA no longer need to submit a change of use application to URA. These business operators will only need to obtain prior consent from JTC or PA as landowner/landlord, fulfil the necessary authorisation conditions set out in Tables 1 and 2, and obtain clearances/licences from relevant agencies before commencing the use. This simplification will also apply to specific community uses (such as family service centres and childcare centres) proposed within commercial premises in BPs on land owned or leased by JTC.
Applications seeking JTC’s consent may be submitted through Corenet2. Requests seeking PA’s consent may be submitted through the CC where the business operator is/will be operating, or the online enquiry form on PA’s website.
Implementation
The authorisation schemes outlined in paragraph 3 and Tables 1 [PDF, 91 KB] and Table 2 [PDF, 92 KB] will apply with immediate effect.
Kindly convey the contents of this circular to the relevant members of your organisation. You are advised to refer to the “Considerations for Property Use” page on the URA website for the most updated guidelines and procedures. For feedback or enquiries, please email us.
Thank You.
GOH CHIN CHIN (MS)
GROUP DIRECTOR (DEVELOPMENT CONTROL GROUP)
for CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
1 This applies to Business Parks directly managed by JTC, and those leased by JTC to another entity.
2 You may refer to the guide on applying for plan consent through Corenet on JTC’s website. For further information, please contact JTC.
