A group of residents in Upper Bukit Timah are protesting over a planned condo development in a secondary forest site at their neighbourhood.
They are concerned that the buildings may be taller than their low-rise homes, thus blocking the scenic views. Construction could also harm the plant and animal life and increase surface runoff into a canal that’s usually a problem when it rains. In addition, a road that is being planned for the area will cut into a jogging trail enjoyed by residents.
Around 50 residents from Cashew, Chestnut and Dairy Farm estates discussed the issue at a meeting held last Friday.
According to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the 1.86-ha site located between Petir Road and Dairy Farm Estate, could yield some 410 condominium units. The site is currently under URA’s reserve list and will likely be open for applications next month.
Kevin Kho, a 51-year-old engineer and resident of Dairy Farm Estate, is leading the protest. He said that once a developer offers anything above the URA’s reserve price, the site will be put up for tender. He added that the planned development would overshadow their homes and clearing the secondary forest would endanger wildlife.
Last month, 48-year-old Ong Hui Guan sent a letter to Member of Parliament Vivian Balakrishnan, asking that the mature trees and jogging trail be retained.
Dr Balakrishnan promised to coordinate with the LTA (Land Transport Authority) to keep the trail. He also agreed with Ong’s call to connect the Dairy Farm area to the Green Corridor – the former railway land, as well as to the Nature Reserve (pictured) across the Bukit Timah Expressway.
The URA plans to evaluate the residents’ pleas and work with developers and agencies in the area to develop sensitively, guided by the Master Plan.
Source : PropertyGury – 18 May 2012
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