Singapore - In the space of a week, residents in two housing estates - dismayed to learn that new rental blocks were being built near their homes - have gone up against the Housing Board.

They have met Members of Parliament and HDB officials over the issue.

Some of the more than 20 residents who spoke to The Straits Times were concerned that the rental flats would lower the quality of the neighbourhood and the value of their homes. Others were vocal about not having been consulted.

The residents in the vicinity of Block 885 in Tampines Street 83 form one group, while those around Blocks 475 and 476 in Pasir Ris Drive 6 form the other.

The Tampines residents found out about the HDB's plan to build a 14-storey block of rental flats last month. In Pasir Ris, a notice went up about 10 days ago in the lift lobbies of the blocks next to the earmarked plot, informing residents that work would start this month.

Pasir Ris residents said that with the rental block so near theirs, their new neighbours would be able to look into their living rooms and bedrooms.-- Courtesy of The Straits Times