Revised height limits near airports among rule changes to boost competitiveness

Move could boost housing supply, open up more opportunities for businesses: Chee

- Kok Yufeng

Buildings located around airports in Singapore can soon be built to greater heights — potentially up to 15 storeys taller if they are residential, and up to nine storeys taller if they are industrial or commercial.

The revised limits, set to take effect from August, are the result of a review by an international task force formed in 2015 and chaired by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) since 2017.

The move could open up opportunities for businesses and has the potential to increase the overall housing supply, which will benefit more Singaporeans, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said on May 22.

It is one example of "pro-enterprise" rule changes being made in the transport sector and beyond to help businesses here reduce costs and red tape, as well as make better use of scarce resources, said Mr Chee, who is also Second Finance Minister.

Speaking at the 40th edition of the Singapore Business Awards, he said reviewing such rules and processes will improve Singapore's productivity and competitiveness.

This is one area that the Government is focusing on as a response to global uncertainty and a more arbitrary and protectionist world, added Mr Chee, who will be appointed national development minister on May 23 as part of the new Cabinet line-up.

Former top public servant Jeffrey Siow will take over as acting transport minister.

Other areas of focus include strengthening Singapore's position as a trusted business hub and improving links with like-minded economies and companies, such as its Asean neighbours.