Thousands of people have rallied in Singapore against plans to build homes on two forested sites in a large public display of concern over how the land-scarce city state should balance housing demand with conservation.

The projects have brought renewed urgency to a long-running debate over land use: activists say remaining mature forests should be protected, while the government says conserving more greenery would mean fewer homes for Singaporeans.

Residents, nature lovers and conservation advocates gathered at Hong Lim Park on Sunday to protest against redevelopment plans affecting Maju Forest near