Noise Mitigation Measures to Reduce Noise Pollution from Amenities Near Residential Flats
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Murali Pillai’s inquiry regarding whether HDB could fund or implement noise mitigation measures for amenities near residential flats outside the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme cycles. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee responded that HDB proactively designs precincts to site facilities away from units and that Town Councils can manage localized noise by switching off facility lights and issuing advisory notices. He highlighted that while HDB continues to explore practical solutions, residents must also be considerate toward their neighbours by keeping noise levels down during quiet hours. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee noted that amenities cannot be sited too far from residential blocks without sacrificing accessibility, making community cooperation essential for a harmonious environment. Finally, he shared that the Community Advisory Panel on Neighbourhood Noise will recommend community norms by the end of the year to help residents better manage noise issues.
Transcript
40 Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB can consider funding or implementing noise mitigation measures to address the problem of noise generated by persons using amenities, such as basketball courts, playgrounds and fitness corners, that are in close proximity with residential flats outside the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme cycles.
Mr Desmond Lee: HDB precincts are designed to provide residents with convenient access to a variety of common spaces and amenities, such as playgrounds, fitness corners and community gardens.
In the design and provision of precinct amenities, HDB takes proactive design measures to minimise noise disturbances, for example, by locating playgrounds and fitness courts away from residential units. If Town Councils (TCs) face localised noise issues arising from the use of common spaces and facilities under their management, TCs can also implement measures to encourage considerate behaviour, such as switching off the lights in the shared facilities during rest hours and putting up advisory notices.
HDB will continue to explore practical solutions to mitigate noise. However, it will not be useful to site such common facilities too far from residential blocks, which may make them inaccessible. Therefore, it is important for residents to be considerate towards their neighbours, such as by keeping the noise level down when going about their daily activities, especially during quiet hours, so as to provide a harmonious living environment for all. The Community Advisory Panel on Neighbourhood Noise will be recommending a set of community norms that residents should adopt to better manage neighbourhood noise by the end of the year.