Conditions Governing Permits for Construction Works on Terrace Houses

Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for National Development (a) under what conditions does the Government permit construction works on terrace houses that will effectively detach a house from the adjoining neighbouring house, either fully or partially; (b) how many cases have been reported to Government agencies where such works have left the wall of previously adjoined houses exposed to the elements, causing structural damage, water seepage and other problems to neighbours; and (c) which department will step in to enforce any breach of building regulations committed during the construction works.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) imposes two key conditions on homeowners who are granted planning permission for construction works to detach a house. One, the homeowner must plaster and paint the exposed blank wall, and neaten any exposed part of the roof of the neighbouring house as soon as his house in demolished. Two, the homeowner must also grant the neighbouring homeowner access to his property to maintain or repair the roof and exposed blank wall. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) also requires the homeowner to engage a professional engineer to ensure that the proposed development works do not affect the structural stability of the neighbouring house.

Between January 2014 and July 2017, the URA granted planning permission for 47 proposals involving the detaching of terrace and semi-detached houses. Of these, agencies have received only one complaint about construction works leading to structural damage and other problems at the neighbouring house.

The BCA will investigate and take appropriate enforcement action against the homeowner or Qualified Person responsible for the development if there is any breach of the Building Control Act or Regulations during the construction process.