Density isn't the issue, City Hall

The Star 14/6/2006

HOW dense can City Hall be? Residents of Lorong Basong want a hill development stopped because they are concerned over landslides and that works will tear at the very foundation of their homes.

Instead, the local authority says the density of the project adheres to City Hall’s regulations, and as such it is all right for the project to go on.

“Density is not the issue here,” said Belair Condominium resident Dr Colin Abraham. “We are worried that the development on the hill will cause landslides and environmental issues that will affect us,” he said.

Urban Hallmark is undertaking the project that is too close to Belair.

“The development will take away much of the hill,” said Dr Colin. “And, we are worried that there is all the likely chance that construction works will affect the foundation of our condominium.”

The project was approved by City Hall after considering the architecture of the development, which is built to suit the surrounding properties.

City Hall has sent a letter to the residents, stating that the project has been approved based on the density benchmark.

However, the residents are challenging City Hall’s discretionary powers to approve the project.

“On top of all that danger, we have not been consulted, nor were we shown the building plans,” said Dr Colin. “The only feedback that we received was City Hall’s statement, saying that the building plan isn’t ours to see.”

The residents are upset about the lack of transparency, too. They say that they have been kept in the dark.

Initial works have already caused problems to the residents. “Trees have been falling down the slopes,” said Dr Colin.

The residents are now pushing for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be conducted on the project.

“According to the law, an EIA is required for gradients between 26 to 35 degrees. Where the gradient exceeds 35 degrees, development, including land clearing, is totally prohibited,” said Dr Colin.

A City Hall spokesman said the local authority would monitor the works and ensure that the developers took precautionary measures.

“We’ll ensure that the residents will not be disturbed in any way.“