Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on changes in use of land surrounding BTO flats
Jul 13, 2015
Mr Zaqy Mohamad: To ask the Minister for National Development
(a) whether the Ministry monitors new developments or changes to the surrounding land use plan for recently sold or completed BTO flats whose sale value had taken into account the previous land use plans;
(b) what added measures does the Ministry have in place to inform and address the concerns of nearby flat owners or those waiting for the completion of their flats of such changes in land use; and
(c) whether any public consultations are conducted in advance with these flat owners, especially if the changed land use has a negative impact on the future valuation of their flats.
Answer:
Land use is strictly governed by the Master Plan which is a public document. To help potential flat buyers make an informed decision regarding their flat purchase, HDB’s sales brochures provide information on the proposed surrounding land uses and facilities, based on the prevailing Master Plan at the time of sale.
The Master Plan is subject to regular reviews. In reviewing any proposed changes to land uses stipulated in the Master Plan, URA considers the compatibility of the changes with the existing surrounding land uses and developments. These considerations are particularly pertinent in the case of residential areas such as public housing estates.
Before amending the Master Plan, URA publishes a notice of the proposed amendments to the Master Plan in the local newspapers, Government e-Gazette website and URA’s website for public inspection. This process allows members of the public, including existing and future flat owners, the opportunity to be informed of proposed changes to land uses and provide feedback on them.
The agency initiating the land use changes will also inform the Member of Parliament and constituency advisors of the development proposed on site before its implementation. This process allows MPs and Advisors to manage any queries or concerns from the local community about the proposed development.