SINGAPORE – The Nature Society Singapore (NSS) is proposing that almost a third of the vegetation in and around Paya Lebar Air Base be retained as green spaces, ahead of redevelopment of the area set to begin in the 2030s.

The Straits Times has learnt that the society submitted a report to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) detailing its proposal to retain 389ha of land in the area, which comprises forest, parkland and water bodies.

URA said it will assess the proposal.

Based on NSS’ estimates, the area­ slated to be redeveloped for housing and industrial purposes after the airbase is relocated amounts to 1,271ha – an area slightly bigger than the size of Wood­lands.

Of this, 805ha comprises areas of biodiversity importance, said the society. These refer to areas that are critical to support flora and fauna, and parts of it, at least, should be preserved, it believes.

NSS spokesman Tony O’Dempsey said the greenery in the area represents one of the last “wild growth areas” in north-east Singapore.

“The anticipated loss of some 805ha of viable habitat within the approximate 1,271ha area to be developed is significant and calls for mitigation measures that maintain some of the original wild growth habitat and to provide connectivity throughout the area,” said NSS in the report seen by ST.

Wildlife connectivity allows animals to move freely between habitats to find food and thrive.

Together, green patches in the airbase, along with the adjacent vegetated areas extending from Tampines Road to Coney Island and Bedok Reservoir Park, serve as habitats and ecological corridors for native wildlife, the society said.

These include the Paya Lebar Air Base and forests adjacent to the Serangoon Reservoir as well as the Tampines Quarry woodland.

A URA spokesperson told ST it has received NSS’ proposal for Sungei Serangoon and Paya Lebar Air Base, and will assess it as it reviews wide...