Consulting Residents and Relevant Stakeholders in Design of Developments

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for National Development whether URA will consider a policy of consulting stakeholders of a community or precinct before allowing any development of a property to ensure consistency of design and character of that neighbourhood.

URA uses a set of development control guidelines to assess development applications. These guidelines regulate the building form and scale of the proposed development to help safeguard the interests of the surrounding community.

For example, development control guidelines on building setback and storey height provide adequate space between developments and preserve the harmony of streetscapes. Other guidelines similarly require the proposed developments to consider visual impact and the surrounding physical context. In addition, if necessary, URA seeks input from other agencies on traffic, noise and other technical considerations before granting planning approval for each development.

URA reviews these guidelines regularly and consults industry professionals and the general public where relevant. On top of these guidelines, the URA may require more major applications to be reviewed by a Design Advisory Panel.

Since October 2013, URA has required developers of new Government Land Sales residential sites to inform the local community about their proposed development before works commence. Developers must also establish a channel of communication to receive and address feedback from the local community, which may include suggestions on the design or layout of the proposed development.

URA will continue to review ways to take on board the views of community stakeholders while ensuring that the planning approval process remains a fair and efficient one for landowners and developers.

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