Source : Straits Times - 11 Nov 2008
I REFER to last Wednesday’s article, ‘Fewer cluster homes may be built’, and applaud the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) for finally realising the problems cluster homes cause to landed residential estates.
I live in an intermediate terrace house in the central area and my small estate is accessible only by a single two-lane, two-way road. When we moved in 10 years ago, it was a pleasant estate comprising only 34 units of mixed housing with terrace houses, semi-detached houses and bungalows. Children used to play badminton and cycle along the road as traffic was minimal.
About three years ago, two adjoining bungalows were sold to a developer which subsequently built 11 units of five-storey cluster terrace housing on the 8,000 to 9,000 sq ft plot.
Subsequently, another two adjoining bungalows were acquired and the developer is building eight units of four-storey cluster bungalows. What was four units is now 19, nearly five times the number.
The whole landscape of this quiet small estate has changed, and houses now look so congested. Moreover, parking is bound to become a problem, especially during holidays and festivals, as these cluster developments do not provide parking for visitors, unlike condominiums with designated visitor car parking. Hence, visitors park along this two-lane, two-way road, making it difficult for residents to park their own cars in their own homes. It is also now dangerous for children to have some fun due to the increased traffic.
The URA should implement these rules with immediate effect. It should also re-examine all ongoing cluster housing developments to see if their plans can be changed to prevent future problems. I am sure residents in these landed estates will welcome any alleviation of problems that are bound to arise when topping out of these homes comes round.
Dr Francis Oen
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