Height limit of Singapore buildings near airports under review; move could increase housing supply
[SINGAPORE] The government is reviewing Singapore's height limits for buildings near airports, a move that could free up more space for both residential and commercial developments, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat announced on Thursday (May 22).
'This would allow buildings in different areas across Singapore to be built higher, potentially up to 15 storeys for residential buildings and up to nine storeys for industrial and commercial buildings,' said Chee.
Singapore has two airports in Changi and Seletar; and military airbases in Paya Lebar, Sembawang, Changi and Tengah. Areas near Changi Airport include Pasir Ris, Tampines, Simei, Bedok, Eunos and East Coast Park. Seletar Airport, meanwhile, is close to Seletar, Yishun, Ang Mo Kio and Yio Chu Kang.
Height restriction requirements around airports are being revised, after a review by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. Changes will come into effect internationally from August, Chee said.
The review aims to free up more airspace for developments, while ensuring aviation safety, said Chee, who was speaking at the annual Singapore Business Awards, organised by The Business Times and logistics company DHL.
'The existing requirements were set in the 1950s. Since then, there have been technological advancements in aircraft and air navigation systems,' said Chee.
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A report by the Centre for Liveable Cities published in 2019 noted that in Tampines, building heights are capped at 12 to 14 storeys.
While more studies need to be done to confirm the increase in height restrictions in Singapore, the change will 'support further land intensification, which is very important for land-scarce Singapore'. The 'achievable benefits' will depend on other infrastructure and planning considerations.
'It could open up new opportunities for our businesses and have the potential to increase overall housing supply that will benefit more Singaporeans,' said Chee.
The height limit review is one of several areas identified for improvement under the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Pro-Enterprise rules review led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, said Chee, who is slated to be Minister for National Development in the new Cabinet line-up. Chee succeeds Desmond Lee, who will helm the education ministry.
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