BUILDING CONTROL DIVISION (Seizure of property)

Mr Ho See Beng asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether he is aware of the seizure by the Building Control Division of fittings and furniture belonging to a certain civic association in spite of the discontinuance of any meeting or activity since its application for change of use of the premises into association office had been rejected; (b) which section of the relevant law empowers the Director of the Building Control Division to order seizure of the association's property; and (c) if he will instruct the Building Control Division in future to exercise more flexibility under the circumstances.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Sir, I presume the hon. Member is referring to the Hwa Siah Musical Association at No. 86A, Lorong 25A. Geylang Road. An application to use the premises as an association was disapproved in August 1978 because the use of residential flats for non-residential purposes cannot be allowed. There were also complaints from neighbourhood residents about the excessive noise caused by the playing of musical instruments until late at night. The Building Control Division gave the Association a grace period till April 1979 to look for alternative premises. However, the BCD found subsequently that the flat was still being used as association premises. A removal exercise by the BCD was scheduled for 20th July 1979. However, the exercise was not carried out because of an appeal from the hon. Member. The BCD team did not seize any property.

The Assistant Director, Building Control Division, is empowered under section 7 of the Building Control Act to seize all movable property found in a building that has been converted to an unauthorised use.

The Building Control Division has always exercised flexibility in carrying out enforcement action. The operator is always given ample time to cease the unauthorised use. Seizure of property is carried out only as a last resort.