Haig Avenue penthouse owners told to address modifications

They will be given time to regularise or remove unauthorised rooftop structures

- Joyce Lim

Owners of penthouse units in Haig Avenue who had put up unauthorised structures on their rooftops will be given time to regularise or remove them after inspections by the authorities found no structural safety issues.

The case involves eight penthouses at two private residential developments - Rose Maison and EiS Residences - where rooftop structures such as glass-enclosed spaces, roof extensions and windowed rooms had been brought to the attention of the authorities.

Inspections began in June, but it remains unclear whether the homeowners had submitted plans for approval.

Responding to queries from The Straits Times, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Building and Construction Authority (BCA) said: "URA is working directly with the subsidiary proprietors and the management corporations of the developments, where a reasonable time will be given for parties to regularise or remove any unauthorised structures, as the case may be."

To regularise structures, property owners will have to ensure that the structures meet the planning and design requirements by the authorities.

This could involve paying fees for gross floor area, or for a professional engineer to assess the structures and get relevant approvals.

These inspections reflect a broader trend, with the BCA reporting an increase in unauthorised building modifications in recent years.