Privacy Concerns of Residents of Landed Properties Located Near Towering BTO Projects

35 Ms Diana Pang Li Yen asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether HDB accounts for privacy concerns of residents in landed property estates whose homes risk being overlooked onto by new Build-to-Order (BTO) projects; (b) what architectural or design measures are mandated to address such privacy concerns; and (c) whether clearer standards will be issued or strengthened in this respect.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: All Build-to-Order projects are designed and constructed in accordance with prevailing building codes. This includes guidelines on building setbacks to ensure adequate spacing from adjacent developments.

The Housing and Development Board also adopts designs that are sensitive to surrounding developments. These include the strategic placement and orientation of buildings, as well as landscaping along common boundaries. For instance, dense and tall trees are typically planted to enhance privacy and provide visual screening.