DEVELOPMENT OF PRIVATE PROPERTY (Particulars)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many applications for the development of private property have been received since 1st January, 1976, and the number of (i) condominiums; (ii) terrace houses; (iii) semi-detached houses; and (iv) detached houses proposed for construction; (b) how many of these units have been sold; and (c) whether there are applications still awaiting approval for the various units specified and when approval will be given.

The Minister for National Development (Mr Teh Cheang Wan): Mr Speaker, Sir, the number of applications received from the private sector for all types of development for the period 1.1.76 to 31.12.79 was 41,278. Of this figure, 1,633 applications were for residential development comprising:

(i) 283 applications or 29,565 units for condominiums;

(ii) 140 applications or 1,184 units for terrace houses;

(iii) 231 applications or 1,134 units for semi-detached houses;

(iv) 340 applications or 571 units for detached houses; and

(v) 639 applications or 15,992 units for flats.

Out of 1,633 residential applications, 871 applications totalling 16,754 units were approved.

Approval of planning applications does not necessarily result in subsequent construction and sale of such units. Some developers for their own reasons may not proceed with development. Statistics collected under the Housing Developers Act show that 1,543 residential units approved over the period 1.1.76 to 30.9.79 were sold. These comprise 1,190 flats and condominiums, 188 terrace houses, 140 semi-detached houses and 25 detached houses.

To-date, 43 applications for residential development are under processing and decisions are expected in one to two months' time.