Plans for Ubin
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What are the current land use plans for Ubin?

In the URA's Master Plan 2003
Pulau Ubin falls in the category of "Safeguarding our Natural Heritage: Other Nature Areas".

"We understand the importance of protecting our natural heritage and its contribution to sustainable development. As part of the Concept Plan 2001, we have committed to keep nature areas for as long as possible."

"Other nature areas which are not needed for development until in the long term will be recognised in the Special & Detailed Controls Plans. Any developments within or around these nature areas will be governed by special guidelines and will require consultation with National Parks Board."

excepts from the gazetted URA Master Plan 2003

In the final URA Planning Strategies that affect Ubin...

"OUTDOOR NATURAL PLAYGROUND BY RUSTIC COASTS

The North East Region is distinct for the naturalness of its parks, coastal areas and open spaces. These will be retained and enhanced, in line with the ideas proposed in the Parks & Waterbodies and Identity Plans, which were supported by the public.

Pulau Ubin: Soak in the laid-back rustic feel of Pulau Ubin as a large part of the island has been safeguarded as a nature area.

Gain insights into the unique local natural habitat at No.1 Pulau Ubin. An English-style cottage built in the 1930s located at the south-eastern tip of the island, it will be restored and converted into a visitor centre. It will also serve as a base from which nature trails and tours can be conducted."

from the URA Master Plan 2003: Planning Strategies: North-East Region

In the draft URA Master Plan 2003
Ubin was envisioned as part of the Rustic Coast group in the Identity Plan.

"At the northeast coast of Singapore are beach areas which provide unique outdoor recreational options, from sandy beaches, idyllic islands, lush green surroundings to scenic waterfronts.

This cluster is made up of Punggol Point/Coney island, Pasir Ris, Changi Village and Pulau Ubin. New activities can be added to each of these areas separately to bring out their qualities, so that the public can enjoy them as distinct recreational places. Water taxi system to connect the areas

One key proposal is to introduce a water taxi system between these areas to make it more convenient for people to get to these places and also hop from place to place.

New activities to these areas
We can introduce the following new activities:
Punggol Point/Coney island - Seafood restaurants by the sea, sea sports centre and "play and stay" places at Punggol Point. Camping grounds and a new jetty at Coney island.
Changi Village - Additional shophouse-type developments on vacant state land.
Pasir Ris - Seaside pier at Downtown East with shops, restaurants and entertainment attractions.
Pulau Ubin - Environmental education centre, using House No. 1, an existing landmark on the island. This can be a base for nature trails and walking tours around plantations."

From URA Launches Identity Plans for 15 Areas in Singapore URA News Release 23 Jul 02

In the URA's Concept Plan 2001 ...
The elements that affected Pulau Ubin were...

"Future reclamation can increase our existing land size by another 15 per cent. However, there is a limit to how much we can reclaim, as Singapore's shoreline is not far from the boundaries of its neighbours."

from the URA Concept Plan 2001-Home

"Keeping Rustic Areas: Unlike the 1991 Concept Plan that envisaged new towns at Pulau Ubin and Lim Chu Kang, the Concept Plan 2001 aims to keep these and other areas rustic for as long as possible."

from the URA Concept Plan 2001-Recreation