Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on whether the Government will consider introducing a mandatory heritage impact assessment regime for sites deemed to be of heritage value when they are proposed for redevelopment or change in land use

Feb 25, 2021

Mr Leon Perera: To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Government will consider introducing a mandatory heritage impact assessment regime for sites that are deemed by a reasonable number of not-for profit organisations or members of the public to be of heritage value (including those not designated as monuments or conserved areas) when they are proposed for redevelopment or change in land use; and (b) how does URA’s Planning Department and other statutory boards work with the National Heritage Board to integrate heritage considerations in planning processes in addition to the work of URA's Conservation Department.

Answer:

We value our built heritage as it strengthens our sense of identity and history.  As a small city-state, we need to balance the importance of our built heritage with the need to develop and renew our cityscape to meet current and future needs. 

There is currently a systematic framework to incorporate heritage considerations in our planning and development process.  Every development proposal is subject to a robust planning evaluation process that considers the development’s impact on traffic, public health, environment, as well as built heritage.  We adopt a consultative and calibrated approach to balance heritage preservation and development needs. 

URA works closely with NHB, along with expert panels and key stakeholders, to incorporate heritage considerations upstream in our land use planning process.  For example, NHB conducts studies, such as the tangible heritage survey, to research and document the history of buildings and sites in Singapore.  Such studies help inform agencies, to better incorporate heritage considerations into the planning and development of each site.  URA also obtains NHB’s and its expert panel’s views in determining the conservation merit of our buildings.   

As part of our ongoing review of long-term land use plans and strategies, URA will be engaging researchers to carry out research on areas of heritage interest.  This will help to form the basis for our assessment of longer-term development options, and guide downstream planning strategies.  URA will be seeking feedback and views on our long-term plans later this year.

For specific development proposals, agencies work closely with local stakeholders and interest groups, as well as regular expert panels such as the Heritage and Identity Partnership (HIP), to ensure that heritage aspects are adequately addressed upfront and sensitively integrated into the planning and design of the development.  The HIP advises URA on strategies to manage built heritage, and represents diverse backgrounds and specialisations, including the heritage and arts sector, academia, business, and the building and real estate industry.  URA also engages other industry experts and the wider public through design competitions and Requests-for-Proposals on plans for specific sites, such as the former Bukit Timah Fire Station, the former Pasir Panjang Power District, and the site of the Paya Lebar Air Base. 

We look forward to partnering stakeholders in shaping our future plans, striking a careful balance to protect our built heritage as we develop and rejuvenate our city.