Impact of Additionally Reclaimed Land on Development of Green Spaces

Mr David Hoe asked the Minister for National Development in light of the land reclamation plans announced at the 2026 National Day Rally and recent public concerns over Maju Forest and Gillman Barracks, whether (i) additional reclaimed land will affect decisions on developing existing green spaces and (ii) lessons can be drawn on engaging communities earlier in land-use planning.

My response will also cover related questions raised by Miss Rachel Ong and Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong, for subsequent Sittings. [Please refer to "Conducting Environmental Impact Assessments at Master Planning Stage", Official Report, 9 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 36, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section; and "Sunset Way's Maju Forest Residential Zoning History and Environmental Impact Assessment Process for Gillman Barracks and Sunset Way Sites", Official Report, 9 September 2026, Vol 96, Issue 36, Written Answers to Questions section.]

The sites at Sunset Way and Gillman Barracks are required for housing, while the proposed new western island is being studied for other strategic national needs, including in security, energy and industry.

The Government engages stakeholders on land use planning at multiple stages. As part of the Long-Term Plan (LTP) Review, the Urban Redevelopment Authority consults members of the public, nature and heritage groups, industry professionals and academics when setting out the planning vision for Singapore over the next 50-60 years. Guided by the National Parks Board's (NParks') islandwide Ecological Profiling Exercise, which was conducted in consultation with an independent scientific Advisory Panel, a conceptual Green and Blue Plan was created as part of the LTP to guide long-term development strategies, including the identification of ecological corridors to safeguard ecological connectivity.

The long-term planning vision is then translated into the Master Plan to guide implementation over the next 10 to 15 years. We seek public feedback on the Master Plan through public exhibitions and in-depth focus group discussions with a wide range of stakeholders.

At the site level, proposed developments with potentially significant environmental impact are required to conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to assess the magnitude of the impact and propose appropriate mitigation measures. An EIA is conducted only when a particular development proposal is being studied, as it requires up-to-date environmental baseline information, as well as conceptual development plans and scope of work.

During the EIA process, agencies will carefully consider the extent of potential impact and adequacy of the proposed mitigation measures, in consultation with nature and community stakeholders. For example, in designing Berlayar Estate, the Housing and Development Board worked closely with nature groups and took in their feedback and suggestions to shape the green corridors within the site. These corridors will offer green respite and recreational areas for residents, and facilitate ecological connectivity between the Southern Ridges and Labrador Nature Reserve.

EIA reports, including executive summaries, are made available for public feedback. Agencies carefully consider the feedback received and may make revisions to the conceptual plans. A revised EIA report with responses to the feedback will then be published.