Earthworks are defined as any operations or works in, on, or over land which result in substantial modification to the existing ground terrain, land form, or slope. These include excavation, formation of a new slope or embankment, and cut and fill operations. Extensive earthworks are discouraged as it may change the existing terrain. Earthworks may also result in the building of high retaining walls that mar the streetscape and have adverse impacts on the surrounding areas. Earthworks on any development site, where necessary, shall be minimised. All earthworks (ie earth cut or earth fill) will require endorsement and clearances from the lessor, SFA, and PUB. Planning permission is required if earthworks cause the level of any point in the land to be more than 1.5 metres above the lower of the following:
Earthworks on a smaller scale than the above may qualify for the agriculture plan lodgment scheme. The digging of wells and ponds on agriculture land is authorised and do not require planning permission. Earthworks are generally not encouraged, except in the following circumstances:
Earthworks within the buildable area of more than 1.5m are subject to evaluation depending on merits.
Earthfill involving the entire development site may only be considered if the proposed earthworks are required to meet the technical requirements of PUB. Such earthfill may be allowed up to PUB Minimum Platform Level (MPL)1 .
1Minimum Platform Level (MPL): The minimum 1st storey level to be provided within the site. The MPL is determined by the Public Utilities Board (PUB).
Allowable Height of Retaining and Boundary Walls
The maximum allowable height for boundary walls is 1.8m. High retaining walls shall be avoided wherever possible, particularly for small in-fill plots. If they have to be built and can be allowed, they shall meet the following requirements:
Last updated on 20 September 2019