Forum: Greenery and biodiversity a key part of HDB estates

We thank Ms Vina Ip (Clearing of forests to build flats seems to go against Green Plan targets, Dec 5) and Mr Richard Cheng (Housing a priority amid land constraints, Dec 6) for sharing their views on the HDB’s housing plans in Sembawang and Woodlands.

Their views reflect the need to optimise land use planning to achieve a fine balance between providing homes for Singaporeans and conserving nature in land-scarce Singapore.

Even as we build new flats to meet strong demand, HDB adopts a science-based and consultative approach to conduct in-depth environmental impact assessments (EIAs) to guide our development plans and mitigate the environmental impact.

This approach was adopted for both Sembawang N4 and Woodlands N1 sites, which are largely zoned for residential development in the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Master Plan.

For the Woodlands N1 site, the EIA recommended retaining approximately 25 per cent of the site as it was an area of high ecological value, to minimise the impact on flora species of conservation significance and serve as a habitat for the fauna. This includes a 15m buffer from the last line of native trees, to retain ecological connectivity to the surrounding nature areas.

We are also working with the National Parks Board to assess the feasibility of transplanting or salvaging plant species of conservation significance. As far as possible, HDB will incorporate these measures into our development plans.

Regarding Ms Ip’s concern on the clearing of a 53ha forested area in Sembawang, we want to clarify that the 53ha refers to the total area for proposed development, of which only 10 per cent is forested. The remaining areas comprise mostly urbanised areas, turf vegetation and existing construction worksites.

We have engaged nature groups and have sought public feedback on the EIA findings. This feedback will be carefully considered when HDB engages a consultant to develop a detailed environmental management and monitoring plan. Building contractors will need to comply with this plan during construction, to minimise the impact on existing flora and fauna.

HDB remains committed to integrating ample green spaces into all our new housing developments. Since 2016, all new public housing developments have been planned with a minimum green cover of 45 per cent, achieved by integrating existing natural elements and creating new ones. These efforts will ensure that greenery and biodiversity continue to be a key part of our estates.

Chong Fook Loong (Dr)
Group Director (Urban Planning) and Chief Town Planner
Housing & Development Board