COLUMBARIUMS AT PLACES OF WORSHIP

COLUMBARIUMS AT PLACES OF WORSHIP:

(Policy on setting up): 17.

Er Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for National Development what is the policy on the setting up of columbariums

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at places of worship and whether the Ministry takes into account the location of such places of worship, which are near to residential areas.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien (for the Minister for National Development): Sir, currently, columbariums are allowed within places of worship as well as other institutional premises, such as clan associations, homes for the aged, nursing homes or religious schools. This is to provide for the needs of members of such institutions, as well as members of the community. Increased public accessibility inevitably means that these columbaria are located closer to residents.

We are mindful of residents' concerns over the presence of columbaria in their neighbourhoods. Therefore, proposals involving columbarium use in places of worship are carefully evaluated, based on the following stringent guidelines:

First, the columbarium must be integrated with the place of worship building. It must be co-located with the religious use in the same building and not be in an independent block;

Second, it is to be completely screened from public view. The columbarium should not have any openings facing residential houses; and

Third, the columbarium use cannot exceed 20% of the total gross floor area of the development.

To avoid possible traffic congestion or parking problems in the surrounding residential estate, road access and sufficient car parking lots within the development site are also carefully evaluated before columbarium use is allowed. The columbarium also is required to provide its own car parking facilities in accordance with LTA's requirements. Where possible, access to the site should be taken directly from the

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main road without having to pass through a residential estate.

These measures have helped to minimise potential disamenities arising from the location of columbaria at places of worship near residential areas.

Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question Time.