Planning With the Environment in Mind

Due to continued household growth and evolving housing needs, there is a strong demand for public housing across Singapore. To meet Singaporeans’ housing needs, land is set aside for residential uses and supporting amenities and these are reflected in URA’s gazetted Master Plan. As part of the planning and development process, we conduct in-depth studies where required, to assess the expected impact of development on the natural and built environment.

These studies, which are carried out by technical agencies and independent consultancies, provide us with a better understanding of the existing area. They guide our development plans for the areas and inform mitigating measures to minimise the impact of development works on the environment. For example, an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) may be developed for each site to mitigate and manage any potential impact of development.

We also engage varied groups of community stakeholders to strengthen the rigour of the studies. The findings from the studies and feedback received through engagements are carefully considered, together with other Government agencies like URA and NParks, before a project is allowed to proceed.

This established process adopts a holistic, evidence-based and methodological approach to balance developmental needs with environmental goals in Singapore, ensuring that our projects are undertaken with great care, and that Singaporeans’ housing needs, both present and future, are met.

Read our latest environmental study reports and share with us your feedback.

Current Environmental Studies

Site Name Environmental Study Report 
Yishun Chencharu (Site 1)

Chencharu has been used for farms and plantations since the late 1800s, and zoned for residential use in URA's Master Plan since 2019. We announced Chencharu as a new housing area in Yishun town in March 2024. So far, we have launched 4 BTO projects at Chencharu, attracting about 3 applications for every available flat.

We commissioned an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study in 2024 for a vegetated patch south of Yishun Walk. This patch covers about 10% of the Chencharu planning area. It was previously used for rubber plantations before being abandoned, and NParks later used part of it as a tree bank for landscaping works. The study did not find areas of high ecological value, and most of the patch contains scrubland and urban vegetation.

Nonetheless, we have proposed mitigation measures to enhance biodiversity and reviewed them over our engagements with biodiversity experts and Nature Groups:

  • Design a linear green along Yishun Ave 1 with biodiversity experts
  • Enhance precinct planting at the southeastern corner to act as a stepping stone for birds and butterflies
  • Study the retention of existing large trees and salvaging of floral saplings of conservation significance where feasible

Environmental Impact Assessment Study

  1. Executive Summary (PDF, 0.7MB)
  2. Full Report (PDF, 15MB)

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We have carefully considered all feedback received, and would like to share in detail our considerations and plans for the Yishun Chencharu (Site 1) site in this report.
Changi North

HDB has been appointed as the agent to carry out the proposed land reclamation works at Changi North, to support future economic growth and to meet Singapore’s long-term industrial land-use needs. In preparation for the works, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) had been carried out to determine the potential environmental impact of the project. The EIA also recommends mitigation measures as well as an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) to minimise the environmental impact of the project. HDB, as agent to carry out the land reclamation works, will consider relevant public feedback before seeking final approval from the Government.

The public feedback period has closed. If you wish to view the report, please email Ms Ng Man Wing (Ng_Man_Wing@hdb.gov.sg) or Mr Yee Jun Rong (YEE_Jun_Rong@hdb.gov.sg).

 

Completed Environmental Studies

Site Name Environmental Study Report
Bukit Batok N3

Bukit Batok N3 has largely been zoned for residential development in URA's Master Plan since 2014, and is currently occupied by various interim uses which will be phased out progressively when their leases expire. Agencies have plans to redevelop this site to offer more housing choices in the west region of Singapore.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted for a portion of the site that is currently used by HomeTeamNS Adventure Centre for recreational activities, to guide the development plans for the area.

Based on the EIA findings, a proposed retained area (PRA) has been identified as a stepping stone for fauna in the area to move between Tengah Forest and the wider Bukit Batok Nature Corridor.

In addition, agencies are proposing various measures to ensure there is ecological connectivity in the area, including a 3m to 5m wide planting strip along the roads, and a linear green through the developments for fauna to move between Tengah and Bukit Gombak Park. HDB has engaged biodiversity experts and Nature Group representatives to seek ideas and feedback on our plans, to develop the site sensitively. 

Environment Impact Assessment Study

  1. Executive Summary (PDF, 0.8MB)
  2. Full Report (PDF, 11MB)

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We have carefully considered all feedback received, and would like to share in detail our considerations and plans for the Bukit Batok N3 site in this report.
 Turf City

Bukit Timah Turf City has been safeguarded for housing development since the Master Plan 1998. While the site is largely urbanised, there are some areas that are of potential ecological importance. To balance development needs with nature conservation and following the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) undertaken by URA, HDB has engaged a consultant to develop the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) to guide the development works at Turf City.

EIA Report

You can find the Turf City EIA report on URA’s website.

Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan

Following the finalisation of the EIA undertaken by URA, we have developed the EMMP to guide the development works at Turf City. Mitigation measures will be undertaken to minimise any potential environmental impact.

  1. Turf City EMMP (as at 3 October 2025) (PDF, 24 MB)
Woodlands N1

The Woodlands N1 site is largely zoned for residential development in URA's Master Plan since 1980. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted to assess the extent of environmental impacts of the proposed plans.

Based on the EIA findings, the consultants have proposed for an Area of High Ecological Value (AHEV) to be conserved and retained. Through our engagement and with feedback received from interest groups, HDB and partner agencies have studied the possibility of conserving this area as additional natural green spaces, above what has been safeguarded in the Master Plan. 

Environmental Impact Assessment Study

  1. Executive Summary (PDF, 0.8MB)
  2. Full Report (PDF, 16MB)

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We have carefully considered all feedback received, and would like to share in detail our considerations and plans for the Woodlands N1 site in this report.
Yishun Chencharu (Site 2)

Chencharu has been occupied for various brownfield uses such as farms and plantations since the late 1800s and has been zoned for residential use in URA's Master Plan since 2019. In March 2024, Chencharu was announced as a new housing area in Yishun Town with new amenities for existing and future residents. The first BTO project (Chencharu Hills) was launched for sale in June 2024, and agencies are currently studying detailed plans for later phases of Chencharu south of Yishun Walk.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was carried out in 2024 to assess the environmental impact of proposed diversion works for an existing earth drain located in the later phases of Chencharu. The earth drain was constructed in the 1980s to drain discharge from surrounding low-rise agricultural uses, and drain diversion works would need to be carried out to serve drainage needs of upcoming developments. The study found that the earth drain was of low ecological value with no aquatic species of conservation significance recorded, and the habitat conditions were not pristine. Through our engagements with biodiversity experts and Nature Groups, HDB has proposed various mitigation measures such as relocating existing fauna before any works commence and implementing safeguards to avoid any impact to the water quality. In addition, biophilic features will be planned within the new development to attract local biodiversity into the area. 

Environmental Impact Assessment Study

  1. Executive Summary (PDF, 1MB)
  2. Full Report (PDF, 9MB)

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We have carefully considered all feedback received, and would like to share in detail our considerations and plans for the Yishun Chencharu (Site 2) site in this report.
Sembawang N4

Sembawang N4 is zoned largely for residential development in URA's Master Plan since 2003. HDB has engaged a consultant to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for this site to guide the development plans for the area.

Based on the EIA findings, several floral species of conservation significance were identified. Through our engagements and with feedback received from Interest Groups, HDB has carefully reviewed our plans and will take appropriate mitigation measures as necessary as we develop the site sensitively. 

Environmental Impact Assessment Study

  1. Executive Summary (PDF, 7MB)
  2. Full Report (PDF, 40MB)

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We have carefully considered all feedback received, and would like to share in detail our considerations and plans for the Sembawang N4 site in this report.

 

Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Following the finalisation of the EIA report, we have developed the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) to guide the development works at Sembawang N4. Mitigation measures will be undertaken to minimise any potential environmental impact.

  1. Sembawang N4 EMMP (as at 27 February 2026)
Pulau Sudong

HDB has been appointed as agent to carry out land reclamation works and construction of jetties at Pulau Sudong, and carried out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to determine the potential environmental impact of the project. It also recommends mitigation measures as well as an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) to minimise the environmental impact of the works. HDB will consider relevant public feedback before seeking final approval from the Government.

The public feedback period has closed. If you wish to view the report, please email Mr Abel Quek (QUEK_Jia_Wei@hdb.gov.sg) or Ms Stacy Low (Stacy_LD_LOW@hdb.gov.sg).
 Pasir Ris N5

The Pasir Ris N5 site has been earmarked for residential development in URA’s Master Plan since 2014. As the development is near Pasir Ris Park and existing mangroves, HDB and LTA had engaged a consultant to conduct an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) in 2016 to guide the development plans for this area.

Based on the EIS findings, as well as through our engagements with Nature Groups, we have incorporated the feedback and recommendations into the development plans for the site. This includes providing a wooded corridor up to 50 metres in width to enable biodiversity connectivity and buffer from the Pasir Ris Nature Area. The existing mangroves and the Kingfisher Pond that are located nearby will also be retained.

In consultation with interest groups, we have developed the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) to guide the development works at Pasir Ris N5. Mitigation measures will be undertaken to minimise any potential environmental impact. A summarised version of the EIS findings has also been included in the EMMP report.

Pasir Ris N5 EMMP (as at 29 January 2024)

 
Keppel Club Site

Keppel Club Site is a brownfield site zoned “Residential (Subject to Detailed Planning)” in URA’s Master Plan since 2014. Given the subject site’s proximity to Labrador Nature Reserve, Mount Faber Park, and Telok Blangah Hill Park, HDB and URA have engaged a consultant to conduct an Environment Impact Study (EIS) to sensitively guide the development plans for this area.

The study has identified 3 areas of high conservation value to take note of when planning for the site, as well as the need to safeguard ecological connectivity between Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve. Based on the EIS findings/ recommendations and feedback raised over engagements with Nature Groups, we have safeguarded green spaces within the site to preserve and strengthen ecological connectivity and provide conducive habitats for flora and fauna to thrive.

EIS report

  1. Executive Summary (PDF, 1MB)
  2. Full Report (PDF, 74MB)

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We have carefully considered all feedback received, and would like to share in detail our considerations and plans for the Keppel Club site in this report. 

 

Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan
Following the finalisation of the EIS report, we have developed the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) for Keppel Earthworks to guide the development works at Keppel Club site. Mitigation measures will be undertaken to minimise any potential environmental impact. 

  1. Keppel Earthworks EMMP (as at 4 August 2023)
Choa Chu Kang N1  

In 2019, the Choa Chu Kang N1 site was zoned for residential development in URA’s Master Plan. HDB had engaged a consultant to conduct an Environmental Baseline Study (EBS) for this site to guide the development plans for this area.

Based on the EBS findings, the consultants have proposed for an ecological corridor and for some areas with species of conservation significance to be protected and retained. Through our engagements and with feedback received from Interest Groups, HDB and partner agencies have studied the possibility of conserving these areas as additional natural green areas, above what has been safeguarded in the Master Plan. The site has been rezoned 'Residential' and 'Park' in URA's latest Master Plan.

Environmental Baseline Study

  1. Executive Summary (PDF, 1MB)
  2. Full Report (PDF, 41MB)

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We have carefully considered all feedback received, and would like to share in detail our considerations and plans for the Choa Chu Kang N1 site in this report.

 

Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Since then, in consultation with Interest Groups, we have developed the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) to guide the development works at Choa Chu Kang N1. Mitigation measures will be undertaken to minimise any potential environmental impact.

  1. Choa Chu Kang N1 EMMP (as at 8 December 2023)
Mount Pleasant

The area occupied by the Old Police Academy and its immediate vicinity in Mount Pleasant is zoned for Residential use in URA's Master Plan since 1998.

While the site is brownfield, it is located close to Bukit Brown and the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. HDB thus appointed consultants to conduct an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) of an area larger than the planned development site. The consultants have proposed to protect and retain some areas with species of conservation significance. HDB, together with partner agencies such as URA and NParks, have reviewed our land use plan for the area to see how we can avoid affecting or minimise impact on these areas.

HDB, URA, and NHB also commissioned a pilot heritage study for the Old Police Academy site, and the consultants have identified selected buildings and open spaces within the Old Police Academy to be protected and undergo adaptive reuse. Mitigation measures were also recommended to minimise the impact of redevelopment on the area's heritage. HDB will continue to work with our partners, such as the Singapore Police Force, to celebrate the heritage of the Old Police Academy.

EIS report

  1. Executive Summary (PDF, 1MB)
  2. Full Report (PDF, 46MB)

Heritage Study report

  1. Executive Summary (PDF, 1MB)
  2. Full Report (PDF, 29MB)

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We have carefully considered all feedback received, and would like to share in detail our considerations and plans for the Mount Pleasant area. You can access the reports for the EIS and for the heritage study.

 

Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Following the finalisation of the EIS report, we have developed the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) to guide the development works at Mount Pleasant. Mitigation measures will be undertaken to minimise any potential environmental impact.

  1. Mount Pleasant EMMP (as at 20 October 2023)
 Tengah

Since about 30 years ago, land in Tengah has been set aside for development. Based on URA's Master Plan 2019, Tengah is zoned largely for residential development. An Environmental Baseline Study (EBS) was conducted from 2016 - 2017, to understand the existing condition of the area. Since then, we have engaged consultants to conduct in-depth Environmental Impact Studies (EIS) for the Tengah North and Tengah South areas. Mitigation measures as well as an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) were also developed to minimise the environmental impact of development.

In Tengah North and South areas, HDB's appointed consultants have proposed for some areas with plants and fauna of conservation significance to be protected and retained as part of the green spaces. HDB and NParks are studying the possibility of conserving these areas with agencies and Nature Groups, as additional park spaces, above what has been safeguarded in the Master Plan. This would help enhance existing plans for ecological connectivity from the Western Catchment area through Tengah to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

Tengah North

  1. Executive Summary (PDF, 2MB)
  2. Full Report (PDF, 91MB)

Tengah South

  1. Executive Summary (PDF, 2MB)
  2. Full Report (PDF, 61MB)

We have carefully considered all feedback received, and would like to share in detail our considerations and plans for the Tengah sites in this report.

 

Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Following the finalisation of the EIS reports above, we have developed the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) for Tengah North and Tengah South to guide development works. Mitigation measures will be undertaken to minimise any potential environmental impact. The EMMP, along with the EMMP Addendum, is available for reference below.

  1. Tengah North EMMP (as at 28 March 2023)
  2. Tengah South EMMP (as at 28 March 2023)
Woodlands North

Woodlands North has been largely zoned for residential development in URA’s Master Plan since 2003. As the area is close to Admiralty Park, HDB has appointed a consultant to conduct an Environmental Impact Study (EIS).

The study highlighted a proposed core conservation area to take note of when planning the site. Through our engagement and with feedback received from Nature Groups, we would retain the proposed core conservation area, to form an extension of Admiralty Park, as part of the plans.

Environmental Impact Study

  1. Executive Summary (PDF, 1MB)
  2. Full Report (PDF, 70MB)

We have carefully considered all feedback received, and would like to share in detail our considerations and plans for the Woodlands North site in this report.

 

Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan
Following the finalisation of the EIS report, we have developed the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) to guide the development works at Woodlands North. Mitigation measures will be undertaken to minimise any potential environmental impact. 

  1. Woodlands North EMMP (as at 30 March 2023)
Miltonia Close

Miltonia Close has been largely zoned for residential development in URA’s Master Plan since 2003. HDB has appointed a consultant to conduct an Environmental Baseline Study (EBS) for this site to guide the development plans for this area.

The study highlighted a proposed core biodiversity area to take note of when planning the site. Through our engagement and with feedback received from Nature Groups, we would retain the key elements of this proposed core biodiversity area, and a sizeable area of greenery, above what has already been safeguarded under the Master Plan.

Environmental Baseline Study

  1. Executive Summary (PDF, 1MB)
  2. Full Report (PDF, 78MB)

We have carefully considered all feedback received, and would like to share in detail our considerations and plans for the Miltonia Close site in this report.

 

Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan
Since then, in consultation with Nature Groups, we have developed the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) to guide the development works at Miltonia Close. Mitigation measures will be undertaken to minimise any potential environmental impact.

  1. Miltonia Close EMMP (as at 30 March 2023)
Ulu Pandan Estate

Ulu Pandan has been zoned for residential development in URA’s Master Plan since 2003. HDB had engaged a consultant to conduct an Environmental Baseline Study (EBS) to guide the development plans for this area. The conceptual plans for the Ulu Pandan site were revised after careful consideration of the EBS findings, feedback from Nature Groups and the public, and NParks’ Ecological Profiling Exercise, which was announced in July 2021.

 

Environmental Baseline Study

  1. Ulu Pandan Estate Environmental Baseline Study Report
  2. Feedback Response Report
 

Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Since then, in consultation with Nature Groups, we have developed an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) to guide the development works at Ulu Pandan East. Mitigation measures will be undertaken to minimise any potential environmental impact. The Ulu Pandan EMMP, along with the updated versions, is available for reference below.

  1. Ulu Pandan East EMMP (as at 5 January 2023)
  2. Ulu Pandan East EMMP (as at 12 June 2024)

  3. Ulu Pandan East EMMP (as at 28 May 2025)
Bukit Batok Hillside Park 

The Bukit Batok Hillside Park area has been zoned for 'Residential' and 'Park' in URA's Master Plan since 2003. Adopting a sensitive approach to integrate nature with urban environment, HDB has engaged a consultant to conduct an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) in 2019 to guide the development plans for this area.

Guided by the findings from the EIS report ad consultation with nature experts, HDB and partner agencies have retained the natural stream and its catchment area within the planned Bukit Batok Hillside Park Nature and expanded the original 'Park' area.

  1. Bukit Batok Hillside Park Environmental Impact Studies Report (PDF, 22MB)

 

Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

We have since developed the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) for the residential parcels near the planned Bukit Batok Hillside Nature Park to guide the development works there. Mitigation measures will be undertaken to minimise any potential impact.

  1. Bukit Batok Hillside Park Area EMMP (as at 28 March 2023)
 Changi Bay

HDB is the appointed agency for land reclamation works and plans to carry out land reclamation at Changi Bay. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been carried out to determine the potential environmental impact of the project. It also recommends mitigation measures as well as an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) to ensure compliance with the Environmental Quality Objectives set for the project.

The public feedback period has closed. If you wish to view the report, please email Ms Audrey Yim (Audrey_HM_YIM@hdb.gov.sg) or Mr Terence Peh (PEH_Hui_Yang@hdb.gov.sg).
 Bayshore

The Bayshore area is situated on reclaimed land and has been earmarked for housing development since 2003. As the development site includes partially forested areas, HDB has engaged a consultant to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to sensitively guide the development plans for this area.

Based on the EIA findings, there is minor to moderate conservation value of the habitats and biodiversity found within the study area with low species richness and low proportion of species of conservation significance. Recommendations include the development of mitigation measures and an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP). Key stakeholders, including representatives from Nature Groups, were also engaged to seek ideas and feedback. Agencies will continue to study the design of future developments within the site to minimise potential environmental impact.

EIA report

  1. Executive Summary (PDF, 1MB)
  2. Full Report (PDF, 7MB)

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We have carefully considered all feedback received, and would like to share in detail our considerations and plans for the Bayshore site in this report.

 

Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan

Following the finalisation of the EIA report, we have developed the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) to guide the development works at Bayshore. Mitigation measures will be undertaken to minimise any potential environmental impact.

  1. Bayshore EMMP Phase 1 (as at 30 April 2024)
  2. Bayshore EMMP Phase 2 (as at 7 July 2025)