Height restrictions may be relaxed in some districts after Paya Lebar Airbase moves

A tower crane at a Paya Lebar construction site. Moving the Paya Lebar Airbase to Changi could see height restrictions relaxed in several districts in the northeast and east and boost transport connectivity across the island, the Ministry of Nat
A tower crane at a Paya Lebar construction site. Moving the Paya Lebar Airbase to Changi could see height restrictions relaxed in several districts in the northeast and east and boost transport connectivity across the island, the Ministry of National Development (MND) said on Wednesday. -- TNP FILE PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

Moving the Paya Lebar Airbase to Changi could see height restrictions relaxed in several districts in the northeast and east and boost transport connectivity across the island, the Ministry of National Development (MND) said on Wednesday.

It pointed to towns such as Toa Payoh, Hougang, Sengkang, Punggol, Bedok and Tampines, which it said were currently subject to height restrictions in order to ensure navigational safety for aircraft.

"There is also potential to introduce new transport corridors across the land currently occupied by (the airbase), enhancing connectivity for residents living in the area to commute to the city and the western part of Singapore," MND said.

It added that the redevelopment of the land occupied by the airbase would allow the creation of new residential areas, parks, schools, community facilities and new employment clusters to bring more jobs closer to residents living in the northeast and east of Singapore.

The relocation of the airbase will free up 800 ha of land for redevelopment - an area larger than Bishan or Ang Mo Kio - but this will only take place after 2030.

The move was announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday in his National Day Rally speech.

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