1. With immediate effect, URA will increase the Gross Floor Area (GFA) quantum cap for childcare centre use¹ in Place of Worship (PW) developments from 300 sqm to 500 sqm provided the proposed increase is supported by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA).

Childcare centre use in PW developments

2. Childcare centre use up to 300 sqm is hitherto allowed as a supporting activity (i.e. an ancillary non-religious use) in PW developments, so long as the total ancillary non-religious uses (e.g. storeroom, meeting room) does not exceed 10% of the total GFA of the PW development. Going forward, the allowable quantum will be raised to 500 sqm, subject to the same 10% cap, and endorsement by the ECDA.
3. Operators who wish to set up childcare centres in PW developments are required to submit a planning application to URA for evaluation² and approval. Applicants must include a proposal plan showing the location and size of the childcare centre, GFA for the praying area and ancillary areas.
4. For proposed childcare centre larger than 300 sqm, applicants are required to approach ECDA first using the attached Form in Appendix A and get ECDA’s prior clearance³, and submit it together with the application for planning approval to URA. 
5. I would appreciate it if you could convey the contents of this circular to the relevant members of your organisation. If you or your members have any queries concerning this circular, please call our Development Control Group (DCG) Enquiry Line at Tel: 6223 4811 or e-mail us at ura_dcd@ura.gov.sg.  For your information, our past circulars and guidelines are available from our website at http://www.ura.gov.sg.

_____________

¹ This circular is not applicable to Kindergarten and Student Care Centre.

² URA will assess the application with the relevant agencies such as LTA; taking into account the detailed proposal and local site context.

³ ECDA’s clearance is a separate consideration and it does not mean that planning approval will follow.