A MINIMUM plot size requirement of 1,000 square metres and a guide on the maximum number of dwelling units (DUs) for non-landed residential estates were put into effect by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) yesterday.
According to the new guidelines, the minimum plot size requirement for flat developments island- wide is now 1,000 sq m (about 10,763.9 sq ft), with the view to provide more space for landscaping and communal facilities.
In addition, for all breakaway proposals from existing landed housing for either flat or landed housing developments within non-safeguarded landed housing areas, the aggregate land area for the left-behind plots must also satisfy the minimum plot size.
The impact of this guideline will be felt particularly in the area of en bloc sales for landed housing.
Separately, a guide on the maximum number of DUs for flat and condominium developments within GPR (gross plot ratio) 1.4 residential estates was introduced.
The DU guide is also applicable to residential components of mixed-use developments, within GPR 1.4 residential estates, and other low-rise, low-density residential areas.
A more stringent formula was developed for areas such as Telok Kurau Estate, which has seen a rapid injection of a large number of units, resulting in significantly higher traffic volumes along the existing narrow local access roads, noted URA.
'If the number of units are being restricted, on average unit sizes will be larger. For developers looking to achieve the same per square foot pricing, you are looking at a higher total quantum that may or may not be supported by the market,' pointed out Ms Tang.
The guidelines will only take effect with respect to new applications, added Ms Tang, noting that any formal applications (excluding outline applications) submitted prior to Nov 24 which had been granted provisional permission or will result in provisional permission being granted will be evaluated under the old guidelines.
Kovan and Joo Chiat/Jalan Eunos estates were also identified as potentially problematic clusters.
URA and the Land Transport Authority are conducting a joint study to determine if more stringent DU guides are required based on the infrastructural capacity of the area.
The study is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2012.
Source: Business Times – 25 November 2011
No comments:
Post a Comment