GEORGE TOWN: A proposed development plan for Burmah Square here, which will likely see part of Penang's historic pre-war building disappear, has irked the local communities here.
The Citizens Awareness Chant Group (Chant) is now making fresh demands to know where the local plan for Penang island is.
Chant adviser Yan Lee said it had been 14 years since the DAP-led Penang government came into power, yet there was no sign of a definite local plan for the island.
A local plan would be able to dictate what can or cannot be built in a particular area.
"Because of the absence of a local plan for Penang island, we now see development that we are not supposed to. One fine example is the Burmah Square here, where part of the pre-war houses are set to make way for skyscrappers.
"As a Unesco World Heritage Site, heritage buildings are unique to Penang. Demolishing them and building high rises in their place will take away Penang's heritage charm."
The proposed development for Burmah Square, if the plans submitted by a state government agency are approved, will see more than half of the pre-war government quarters from the 1920s flattened and replaced by two tower blocks.
"The state government promised a local plan for Penang island when it came into power back in 2008. However, it has not delivered on the promise. This makes it possible for unsuitable development in some areas, such as the Burmah Square.
"Chant will continue to oppose the development project on Burmah Square and hopes that the state will prioritise its rich heritage above all else," he said today.
In December 2019, the Penang government announced the approval of the 2030 Penang Structure Plan (RSN), which outlined development strategies and policies for the state from 2020 to 2030.
At that time, the state government had said that the local plans, which decide what can or cannot be built in a particular area, would be ready the following year.
Last year, the 2030 Seberang Prai Local Plan (DRTSP2030) draft was put up for a three-month display from April 12 for public to submit their views or raise objections.
It gathered a total of 2,559 feedback from the residents on the mainland through public participation.
The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) revitalised Burmah Square back in the 1990s, renting the pre-war houses there to interested businesses. The 1.5ha area is surrounded by Jalan Burmah, Jalan Chow Thye, Jalan Irrawady and Jalan Servis.
Although the majority of the pre-war houses there belonged to the state government agencies, some were privately-owned.
Plans are afoot to demolish 15 of the houses in Jalan Irrawady and Jalan Servis, while upgrading the row of 19 houses in Jalan Chow Thye.
Recently, a couple who owns a heritage bungalow at Jalan Chow Thye sued the Penang government over concerns that development plan for Burmah Square would have serious risks to their home and others down the road.