SALE OF STATE LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Arthur Fong asked the Minister for National Development in view of the limited residential and commercial land in Singapore, will he require HDB and URA, when inviting tenders from developers to buy land for development in built up residential estates particularly the HDB heartland, to consider the views of residents who will be affected by the development.

The Minister of State for National Development (Dr Vivian Balakrishnan) (for the Minister for National Development): Sir, State land sold through tender is developed according to the Master Plan. The Master Plan indicates the intended land use of all parcels of land. In preparing the Master Plan, the URA will, as far as possible, ensure that the adjoining developments are compatible with one another. Extensive public consultation is also carried out before the Master Plan is finalised.

For major development proposals in HDB estates, the HDB will also brief the Advisors and grassroots organisations of the future developments within the estates. For example, the redevelopment proposals in Clementi Town, which include new developments within the Town Centre, are exhibited so that the public can express their views and provide feedback on these proposals.

As you can see, there are mechanisms in place to inform and consult the public on our plans. However, it is not possible nor practical to consult every single neighbour or stakeholder for each individual project before development. Where we do consult and where competing interests and views are expressed, ultimately, the Government will have to make a decision on the final land use, taking into consideration the larger interests of the community.

Mr Arthur Fong (West Coast): Sir, the redevelopment of towns undertaken by the HDB is communicated to residents. What about for land that has been tendered out to private developers, which the HDB might know about its use? Should the information not be communicated to the residents who will be affected?

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Mr Speaker, Sir, regardless of whether it is for private or public development, wherever possible, the HDB will inform the Advisors and the grassroots organisations of the impending use of the land.