PLANNING PERMISSION (Measures to prevent speculation)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development, since he is aware of deliberate delay by developers who have obtained planning permission without the desire to develop their properties, what measures he proposes to take to prevent speculation; what other measures he will introduce to ensure the commencement of building operations as soon as plans are approved; and what leeway he will accord to bona fide developers who are unable to commence building operations for cogent reasons.

The Minister for National Development (Mr Teh Cheang Wan): Mr Speaker, Sir, developers who deliberately delay construction after obtaining planning permission are invariably those who indulge in speculation. It is not unusual for such properties to change hands many times.

My Ministry has for some time now tightened up approval for renewal of planning permission which has lapsed. Any planning permission which has lapsed with no evidence of construction work in progress will not be renewed.

We are also looking into the possibility of acquiring lands for which development has been approved but not implemented, for sale through the Urban Redevelopment Authority. However, consideration will be given to developers who are genuinely unable to proceed with their plans for development because of factors beyond their control.