HDB's chief town planner, Chong Fook Loong, said they must make trade-offs. They need to balance housing and nature to create the best plan.

Dr Chong spoke before a meeting with residents about the proposed development. Over 100 people attended, including Members of Parliament.

HDB announced that Sunset Way will be developed for housing. Part of the site has been planned for homes since 1980.

About 8 hectares of the 23-hectare area will be kept, mostly around the forest's edge.

Dr Chong said there is a great need for more housing. A recent housing project in Clementi had many more applicants than homes available.

HDB prefers to use old industrial sites for housing. But there are few such sites in Clementi, so they are looking at Sunset Way.

Brownfield sites are old industrial areas. Greenfield sites like Sunset Way are empty land with natural ecosystems.

HDB is studying the environmental impact of the development. This will help them understand the site's ecological importance.

The plan is not final, and HDB is seeking feedback. They want to work with residents to create the best plan.

MP Sim Ann said the meeting allowed residents to share their concerns. Some are worried about losing green spaces and increased traffic.

Residents are concerned about the impact of construction. They are also curious about what new amenities will be added to the area.

The meeting lasted over two and a half hours. Residents asked questions and shared their concerns with HDB and the MPs.

Some residents are worried about overdevelopment and traffic. They hope their feedback will be considered.

Many residents are upset about the development plans. They find it hard to accept the loss of the forest.

One resident, Madam Teo, has lived in Sunset Way for 30 years. She loves the forest and its wildlife.

Madam Teo takes photos of the animals in the forest. She wants the authorities to preserve more of the forest.

She hopes the plans will be reviewed to save the forest. The public can give feedback until August 6.

Thousands of people have signed petitions to save the forest. One petition has over 17,000 signatures.

The petition asks the authorities to stop clearing the forest. It suggests using old industrial sites for housing instead.

Some residents signed the petition because they love the forest. They think it's a valuable resource for the community.

One resident, Mr Hunt, said the forest is a small but vibrant ecosystem. It provides fresh air and a connection to nature.

Mr Hunt and his wife moved to a flat near the forest to be closer to nature. They think the forest is a treasure.

Ms Koh asked if alternative sites could be used for housing. She thinks old industrial sites should be used first.

Not all residents oppose the development. One resident thinks it's necessary for Singapore's growth.

The resident, who has lived in Sunset Way for 40 years, thinks the redevelopment is needed. He hopes to move into a new flat.

Another resident, Mr Ho, expects the forest's redevelopment to mean fewer monkeys in the area.

The monkeys sometimes enter his home through the balcony. He is 79 years old.

Some residents are worried about traffic congestion. A new road was built to ease congestion, but it may not be enough.

Residents are also concerned about noise and debris from construction. But they are more worried about losing the forest.

Mr Choo, who has lived in Sunset Way since 1964, likes the forest as a buffer. It keeps the neighbourhood quiet.

He hopes the housing development will not affect the privacy and noise level of the area. He wants it designed carefully.