REVIEW OF PLANNING AND BUILDING PLAN SYSTEM IN SINGAPORE IN 1998

Abstract

In Singapore : The Next Lap, the government of Singapore addresses the country's physical, economic and social development and highlights its goals for the future. The government and its agencies have, in the past, played a virtually singular role in the transformation of the physical environment in Singapore. The challenge to urban policy makers then was to establish the basis for the building of a modern city-state which could adequately support the government's plans for social as well as economic development and growth. With a highly centralised planning and dominant role of the state, there arises a need for greater cooperation between public and private sectors to meet future needs of the business community with the goals of increasing the range of choices and options for business. This would require development policies which accommodate both market and public interests. This dissertation seeks to review the existing planning and building plan system in Singapore in the light of a fast-changing socio-economic environment. A literature survey is done on the principles and practices of planning and building plan systems overseas. Selected case studies are examined and prevalent issues identified. Planning policies and trends are analysed and recommendations are made for the existing planning and building plan system in Singapore. Recommendations include call for a pro-business mindset and streamlining of application/approval process. This dissertation concludes that facilitating business investments will be a key consideration in the shaping of planning policies and development control as Singapore moves into the 21st century.