HDB has emphasized its intent to “develop the site sensitively,” opening public feedback forms from Nov. 13 to Dec. 10 for both the Sembawang and Woodlands sites.
The forests of Sembawang and Woodlands, rich in biodiversity and ecological value, are poised for transformation. As the Housing and Development Board (HDB) advances plans for new residential developments, questions loom over the fate of endangered species and precious habitats. Public feedback is now being sought to navigate this delicate balance—a process that underscores the growing tension between urban expansion and environmental preservation in Singapore.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
A City Expanding Into Its Last Green Frontiers
In October, HDB announced plans to develop two major housing areas: Sembawang North, spanning 53 hectares with nearly 10,000 housing units, and Woodlands North Coast, a smaller 21-hectare area set to house 4,000 new homes. These projects aim to meet rising demand for affordable housing and urban growth, with the first Build-To-Order (BTO) flats set to launch in Woodlands by February 2025.
Yet these plans come at a significant cost: the forests targeted for development are among the few remaining large, continuous vegetated patches in these regions. An environmental impact assessment (EIA), commissioned by HDB and conducted by infrastructure consulting firm Aecom, paints a stark picture of what lies ahead.
Ecological Treasures in Sembawang and Woodlands
The Sembawang site, comprising forested areas N4 and N5, is home to more than 240 plant species, including 22 of conservation significance, and 212 wildlife species, 13 of which are endangered. These include native birds and mammals integral to Singapore’s biodiversity. The impact of habitat loss in Sembawang was assessed as “major,” with inevitable plant mortality and disruption to wildlife.
Similarly, the Woodlands site (N1), though smaller at 7.27 hectares, harbors 195 plant species and 95 wildlife species. Among them are the cave nectar bat, Swinhoe’s white-eye, and sky-blue butterfly—endangered species whose survival is tied to the area’s ecosystem. The EIA highlighted the potential for “negligible to major” impacts on biodiversity at the site, depending on mitigation efforts.
The reports have drawn attention to the irreversible consequences of clearing these forests, urging mitigation measures to reduce harm. Recommendations for the Sembawang site include establishing Tree Protection Zones and having ecologists oversee vegetation clearance to relocate wildlife. For Woodlands, the report proposed conserving an Area of High Ecological Value (AHEV) to preserve critical habitats.
Such measures, while commendable, face logistical and spatial limitations. Urban planners and conservationists alike must grapple with the question: How can Singapore balance the needs of its growing population with its commitment to sustainability?
Seeking Public Input Amid Development Pressures and The Cost of Progress
HDB has emphasized its intent to “develop the site sensitively,” opening public feedback forms from Nov. 13 to Dec. 10 for both the Sembawang and Woodlands sites. This outreach marks a critical juncture in shaping the future of these forests and the species they host.
Feedback could influence the extent to which mitigation measures are implemented or, in the case of the Woodlands AHEV, whether areas are preserved as additional green spaces beyond the Master Plan. However, public participation also raises broader concerns about the inclusivity of decision-making in Singapore’s urban development agenda.
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