Approvals Granted for Renovation Works and Pollution Mitigation Measures Introduced

Ms See Jinli Jean asked the Minister for National Development (a) for 2021 to 2023, what is the breakdown on the annual number of approvals for renovation works issued for private residential properties and HDB flats respectively; (b) what is the corresponding pollution and environmental impact from such renovation works; and (c) what measures are introduced to stem such impact.

Approvals from Government agencies for renovation works need only be sought for certain locations and scope of works. For example, the Housing Development Board's (HDB's) approval is only required for renovation works in HDB flats that may affect structural integrity or pose safety concerns, such as the removal of walls and replacement of windows. HDB issued 50,685 approvals in 2021, 52,270 approvals in 2022 and 54,303 approvals in 2023. We do not have data for renovation works in private residential properties as the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) does not regulate general renovation works. Approval from BCA is only required for Addition and Alteration works that may impact the structural safety of buildings. Residents in private residential developments, like condominiums, may need to seek their management corporation's approval for renovation works, in accordance with the relevant by-laws.

The key disamenities generated by renovation works are noise, dust and waste. Under the Environmental Protection and Management Act and the Environmental Public Health Act, renovation contractors must comply with the permissible noise limits and requirements related to construction noise, dust control and waste disposal.

In addition, contractors carrying out renovation works in HDB flats are required by HDB to (i) limit the conduct of noisy renovation activities, such as drilling works, to between 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays; and (ii) properly dispose of renovation debris at disposal sites approved by the National Environment Agency at the end of every workday.

For renovation works in private condominiums, management corporations may enact by-laws to manage the disamenities arising from such works.