JALAN KAYU (Applications for change of use of shops)

Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether, in view of the fact that many shops have closed down on account of poor business at Jalan Kayu, he will direct the relevant departments concerned to be rather more flexible in considering applications for change of use.

Dr Tan Eng Liang (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Development Control Division has given approval to quite a number of applications for change of use in the Jalan Kayu area in recent years. The hon. Member can be assured that applications for change of use of shops in Jalan Kayu will be favourably considered if they can fit in with the Master Plan zoning and other planning considerations, e.g. scale and nature of the use, compatibility of the use within the building block or the surrounding area.