Rezoning Land along Fernvale Close and Fernvale Link
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the proposed rezoning of land along Fernvale Close and Fernvale Link from a Reserve site to a Residential site under Amendment No 33/22. MP Gan Thiam Poh inquired about the rationale for this change, the possibility of educational use, and plans to address traffic and amenity needs. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee explained the rezoning is necessary to meet housing needs and noted infrastructure improvements like new roads and Sengkang-Punggol LRT expansion. He confirmed that park and recreational facilities are planned and that URA is reviewing additional measures to address community feedback. The Minister emphasized the need to balance competing land requirements in land-scarce Singapore while continuing to work with key stakeholders.
Transcript
76 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development regarding URA’s proposal under Amendment No 33/22 to Master Plan to rezone the land along Fernvale Close and Fernvale Link (a) what are the reasons for changing the zone to residential development; (b) whether the Ministry can consider changing the zone for the land to Educational Institutions; and (c) if not, whether there are plans to (i) mitigate the potential traffic congestion and (ii) meet the demand for primary and secondary schools, greenery and family recreational facilities in this area.
Mr Desmond Lee: The vacant land along Fernvale Close and Fernvale Link is currently zoned as a Reserve site. To meet the housing needs of Singaporeans, URA has proposed to rezone this site as a Residential site. The rezoning plans were publicly exhibited in August, in line with the procedure to amend the Master Plan under the Planning Act.
We have received feedback from some residents in the area regarding the need to address potential traffic congestion and provide more amenities to serve the local community. There are upcoming plans that will address these concerns, such as the construction of new roads to improve traffic circulation in the area, the expansion of the Sengkang-Punggol Light Rail Transit’s capacity, as well as park and recreational provisions. In addition to these plans, URA is also working with the relevant agencies to review and implement other measures to address the residents’ feedback.
In land scarce Singapore, it is important for us to balance competing land use requirements, and cater to the needs and aspirations of different groups of Singaporeans. We will continue to work closely with agencies and key stakeholders in planning for the site.