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HDB, URA to ensure Fernvale Link temple integrates well with surroundings

SINGAPORE — The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Housing and Development Board (HDB) will ensure that a proposed temple at Fernvale Link in Sengkang will “integrate well with the surrounding developments, the same way other existing places of worship have been integrated in many residential estates”, both agencies said in a statement today (Jan 6).

HDB development at Fernvale Link, where a columbarium was proposed to have been built. Photo: Ernest Chua

HDB development at Fernvale Link, where a columbarium was proposed to have been built. Photo: Ernest Chua

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SINGAPORE — The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Housing and Development Board (HDB) will ensure that a proposed temple at Fernvale Link in Sengkang will “integrate well with the surrounding developments, the same way other existing places of worship have been integrated in many residential estates”, both agencies said in a statement today (Jan 6).

This follows an outcry by residents over plans for a columbarium at an upcoming Chinese temple at a plot of land surrounded by two Build-to-Order projects and an executive condominium development. Many say they were not aware of plans for the columbarium. 400 residents met with Sengkang West MP Lam Pin Min, officials from URA and HDB, and the temple developer on Sunday to discuss the issue.

In a joint statement, URA and HDB said the land had been zoned as a “place of worship” in URA’s Master Plan since 2003. The agencies said Eternal Pure Land, which won the tender for the site, has affirmed to HDB its commitment to run a Chinese temple to serve the community.

URA and HDB said “most places of worship have some columbarium facilities and they are found islandwide”. It cited examples such as Fo Guang Shan Chinese Temple along Punggol Walk, Seu Teck Sean Tong Temple at Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, and the Church of the St. Mary of the Angels at Bukit Batok East Avenue 6.

“URA works closely with HDB and other agencies to ensure that towns are planned comprehensively to be self-sufficient, with a wide range of facilities and amenities to serve the needs of residents. Places of worship can be successfully integrated into the design of residential estates to serve the needs of our people,” HDB and URA stated.

The agencies also reiterated URA’s guidelines that only 20 per cent of the total gross floor area for places of worship can be set aside for columbarium use. It must also be inside the main building and away from public view. This policy has been in place since 1999, they said. CHANNEL NEWSASIA

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