Planning, Environment and Lands Bureau

I. Development

In the past years, we have been working on 49 pledges, of which:

The following sets out the detailed report for each main programme area.

Territorial Development and Planning

Year Pledge Present Position
Action Completed
1996 1. To complete public consultation by the end of 1996 on the findings of the Territorial Development Strategy (TDS) Review. Subject to the public's comments, to refine in 1997 our strategy for development up to 2011. Public consultation on the TDS Review ended on 31 December 1996. Comments from the public have been analysed and, where appropriate, adjustments have been made to the development strategy and a Final Executive Report is being produced.
1996 2. To start in late 1996 a study at a cost of $1 million to collect information on cross-border travel patterns in order to set up a comprehensive database for planning future cross boundary transport infrastructure. The Study commenced in October 1996. Relevant data from various sources have been collected. A report presenting all information on cross boundary travel patterns in 1996 has been prepared. The setting up of the comprehensive database is substantially completed.
1996 3. To complete in late 1996 a study on the ecological value of fish ponds. The Study was completed in mid-1997. Based on the findings of the Study, the way forward is now being worked out for consideration by the Town Planning Board.
1995 4. To formulate and implement the new urban renewal and redevelopment policy in 1996-97 after taking into account the results of the 1995 public consultation exercise. Measures recommended in the Policy Statement on Urban Renewal which could be carried out in the short-term have been implemented. Details of longer-term proposal were also being worked out; please refer to item 46 under "Urban Renewal" for details.
Action in Progress: On Schedule
1996 5. To streamline planning procedures by introducing amendments to the Town Planning Ordinance in 1998 to make the statutory planning system more open and accountable. In preparing amendments, to take into account public opinion on the Town Planning White Bill. Public consultation on the Town Planning White Bill ended on 31 December 1996 and comments from the public on the Town Planning White Bill have been analysed. Drafting Instructions are being prepared to change the White Bill into a Blue Bill.
1996 6. To meet the development needs of the community, particularly in providing land for housing, by conducting Studies in 1997-98 on strategic growth areas identified in the TDS Review. Also to ensure that detailed engineering feasibility studies for new town development are conducted on time. Integrated Planning and Development Studies on Northwest New Territories and Northeast New Territories and Hong Kong Island South and Lamma Island will commence in October 1997, December 1997 and February 1998 respectively.
Action in Progress: Under Review
1996 7. To guide development in the New Territories by completing sub-regional development strategies for the Northwest and Southwest New Territories in early 1997.

Work on the Northwest New Territories (NWNT) Development Strategy Review is held in abeyance pending the completion of the Integrated Planning and Development Study on NWNT in 2000.

Work on Southwest New Territories Development Strategy Review is held in abeyance pending the finalisation of the Territorial Development Strategy Review (TDSR) and will resume following the publication of TDSR Final Executive Report.

Action in Progress: A Pledge to Catch Up
1996 8. To make the planning system more efficient in 1997 by developing a planning register and information system covering population, land supply, employment distribution and community facilities. We are still awaiting funding approval for the planning register system. In the meantime, implementation of the information system covering population, land supply, employment distribution and community facilities has started.
Action in Progress: Behind Schedule
1996 9. To complete the Central and East Kowloon Development Statement (CEKDS), which sets out planning guidelines for the district, in late 1996. Findings and recommendations of CEKDS have been submitted to the Committee on Planning and Land Development in April 1997. Public consultation has been completed and compilation of the final report of the CEKDS is in progress.
1996 10. To revise in late 1996 the planning standards and guidelines on the provision of industrial land following completion of a study on the provision of new industrial premises. Study completed and revised planning standards and guidelines have been endorsed by the Committee on Planning and Land Development and will be promulgated in October 1997.
1996 11. To revise planning standards and guidelines on the provision of open space and recreational facilities in early 1997 in the light of a study on leisure habits and recreational preferences. The Study is substantially completed and draft revised planning standards and guidelines have been prepared. The Study's recommendations and the revised planning standards and guidelines are now under public consultation. The revision of the planning standards will be deferred to early 1998.
1996 12. To revise planning standards and guidelines on the provision of retail facilities in early 1997 following completion of a study on shopping habits. The Study is substantially completed; The results of the Study and the draft revised planning standards and guidelines will be considered by the Committee on Planning and Land Development in October 1997 before a public consultation exercise is undertaken. The revision of the planning standard will be deferred to early 1998.
On-going Commitment
1995 13. To continue formulating and updating planning standards and guidelines and prepare, revise and implement statutory and non-statutory plans for the urban and rural areas. This is an on-going task. Currently, planning standards and guidelines for community halls, primary schools and some social facilities are under revision.


Supply and Control of Land

Year Pledge Present Position
Action Completed
1996 1. To dispose of 160 hectares of land in 1996-97, comprising 43 hectares for subsidised home ownership, 47 hectares for private housing and commercial development, two hectares for industry and 68 hectares for infrastructural and other community uses. To monitor the situation carefully and, if necessary, seek the Land Commission's agreement to include more land in this year's disposal programme. In 1996-97, we disposed 173 hectares of land, comprising 34 hectares for subsidised home ownership, 44 for private housing and commercial development, two hectares for industry and 93 hectares for infrastructural and other community uses. The difference in actual hectares disposed under the various catogories resulted from a number of amendments to the land disposal programme as agreed by the then Land Commission and changes in site availability.
1996 2. We are computerising the Lands Department to improve efficiency at a cost of $28illion. To complete the project in early 1997. Project completed in end April 1997.
1996 3. To consider ways to make the administrative procedures of the Lands Department more business-friendly. A review of land exchange and lease modification and related processing was completed. All immediate and short term recommendations either have been introduced or are in hand.
1996 4. To complete a comprehensive database in 1997 on the redevelopment potential of older buildings to help increase the supply of housing. The Geographical Information System model and database for assessing the redevelopment potential has been completed.
1996 5. To continue to clear sufficient land to carry out development projects. In 1996-97, to acquire or clear about 71 hectares of land at a cost of $3illion. In 1996-97, 48.2 hectares of land was acquired and cleared at a cost of $1,292 million. Delay was a result of a judicial review which held up a number of resumption projects. The remaining 22.8 hectares were acquired and cleared before May 1997.
1993 6. To give the Lands Department additional staff in 1994 to speed up the processing of lease modifications and land exchanges in order to facilitate the production of an extra 2 000 flats, on top of the current 15 000 each year. The three outstanding posts out of the 29 posts created were filled. For the 12 months ending 30 September 1997, an extra 3?00 flats have been produced through expeditions processing of lease modifications and land exchanges.
Action in Progress: On Schedule
1996 7. To complete an engineering feasibility study of the Kai Tak Airport and Kowloon Bay Reclamation Area in late 1997, following completion of a draft concept plan. The findings will help us make the best use of the 280 hectares of land at the existing airport site made available by the relocation of the airport to Chek Lap Kok. We are continuing with our engineering feasibility study to help work out an outline master development plan for South East Kowloon, including the Kai Tak site. We shall complete the study in late 1997.
1996 8. To increase public awareness of planning controls, especially in the Northwest New Territories where 199 hectares of land are used for unauthorised purposes such as container storage and scrap-yards, by organising major publicity activities in 1997. Interviews with the media and meetings and briefings with various organizations on unauthorized developments and enforcement works had been held. Press release on notable enforcement cases and pamphlets on unauthorised developments have been prepared and distributed.


Flood Prevention

Year Pledge Present Position
Action Completed
1996 1. To continue to maintain in the coming year the 800 kilometres of stormwater drains and stream courses which were inspected, cleansed, desilted and repaired in 1995-96. In 1996-97, to spend about $95illion on similar works. In 1996-97, $100 million were spent to maintain stormwater drains and streamcourses.
1996 2. To bring into operation stage one of the Shenzhen River Regulation Project at the beginning of the wet season in 1997. Stage I of the Shenzhen River Regulation Project was brought into operation in April 1997.
Action in Progress: On Schedule
1996 3. To start in 1997 another two studies of seven Drainage Master Plan Studies to review and upgrade our stormwater drainage system, and will complete all seven studies by 1999. One new Drainage Master Plan Study started. Another new Drainage Master Plan study is programmed to start by end 1997. Up to September 1997, a total of four studies have been started.
Action in Progress: A Pledge to Catch Up
1996 4. To continue to work closely with the Shenzhen authorities on the preparations for stage two of the Shenzhen River Regulation Project. To award two new contracts by April?997 to construct 6.4 kilometres of rain river channel, to start work before June 1997 and to complete works by 2000. One of the two new contracts was split into two contracts for operational reason. Of the three contracts, works on two contracts have started, while the third one will be awarded in end 1997. We are however confident that we could complete works by 2000.
1994 5. To spend $1.1illion over the next three years to construct 20籑ilometres of stormwater drains and other drainage channels. To complete by 1998 works on three contracts for the first stage of river channel improvement work in Yuen Long and Kam Tin areas. 17 kilometres of drainage channels are under construction. 71% of the first stage of river channel improvement work in Yuen Long and Kam Tin areas completed. While we have missed our interim target, we are confident that our target of completing works on the three contracts by 1998 can be met.
Action in Progress : Behind Schedule
1994 6. To complete flood protection schemes in the next three years (1994-97) for 12 villages which are particularly vulnerable.

Two village flood protection schemes in Sheung Shui and Kam Tin (covering 3 villages) are under construction. We will complete the works by 1998.

Two new contracts covering 8 villages in San Tin were awarded in November 1996 and April 1997 respectively. We will complete the works by 1999.

Contract for the remaining one village was awarded in April?997. The target completion date is mid-1998.



Conservation

To review in 1997 the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance to enhance protection of wildlife.
Year Pledge Present Position
Action Completed
1996 1. To set up a marine sanctuary at Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau in late 1996 by designating the area as a marine park and to manage it for the conservation of the endangered Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin (also locally known as Chinese white dolphin). The Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park was designated on 22 November 1996. It is being managed for conservation purposes.
1996 2. To improve hiking safety in country parks by launching a publicity campaign on prevention of hill fires, dissemination of safety information, and promotion of training and seminars for hikers and hiking leaders. Two publicity campaigns on "Hill Fire Preventing" and "Enjoy Safe Hiking" were launched in 1996. Hiking safety guidelines were published as well as uploaded in the internet, and training courses and seminars were organised for hikers and hiking leaders.
1996 3. To arrange installation of more emergency telephones in country parks so that emergency services such as fire fighting and search and rescue can be called upon quickly when needed. The Hong Kong Telecom has agreed to install more emergency telephones in country parks. Up to September 1997, four new emergency telephones have been installed, making a total of 35 emergency telephones installed in country parks. Installation of another 16 new phones are in progress.
1996 4. The review was completed and the revised authorisation criteria were issued in October 1996.
Action in Progress: On Schedule
1996 5. To develop a comprehensive management strategy for the Mai Po Marshes/Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site after completing a study in early 1997. To take measures to enhance the conservation of this important wildlife habitat. Study completed in March?997. Consultants' recommendations on management strategy adopted for implementation in 1998-99.
1996 6. To designate in 1997 Ma Shi Chau as a special area under the Country Parks Ordinance. Pending the adaptation of the Country Parks Ordinance, the Ma Shi Chau Special Area is ready for designation.
Action in Progress: Behind Schedule
1996 7. To update the Country Parks Ordinance in 1997 to strengthen the protection and management of country parks. The draft Amendment Bill is near completion. However, due to complexity of the legislation and the fact that a legislative slot will not be available, we do not expect to be able to introduce the updated Ordinance into the legislature before end 1997.


Improving Building Safety

Year Pledge Present Position
Action Completed
1995 1. To begin the second stage of a consultancy study covering buildings completed between 1959-80 in early 1996. The second stage of the consultancy study started in September 1996 is on schedule.
Action in Progress: On Schedule
1996 2. To require in late 1997 authorised persons to submit supervision plans setting out systems for safety management at construction and demolition sites before works may commence.early 1996. The Technical Memorandum which sets out the implementation framework of the supervision plan system has been issued. We are preparing the Code of Practice for the supervision plan system to be commenced in late 1997.
Action in Progress: Behind Schedule
1996 3. To complete a consultation exercise in early 1997 on the proposed building safety inspection scheme, under which private building owners may be required to appoint professionals to inspect their buildings on a regular basis to ensure structural safety. To formulate measures to introduce the scheme in 1997. We have commenced the voluntary implementation of the building safety inspection scheme. We are conducting public consultation on the mandatory implementation of the scheme. We aim to introduce the necessary legislative amendments for implementing the scheme in the first quarter of 1998.
On-going Commitments
1996 4. The designated Site Monitoring Team established in the Buildings Department to carry out 3000 inspections a year. For the 12 months up to September 1997, the designated Team has carried out 3 200 inspections.
1996 5. To regularly update technical guidelines and codes of practice on building safety. We have completed the review of the Codes of Practice on Structural Use of Steel and Structural Use of Concrete and promulgated the necessary revisions.

We have also completed the first draft of the Code of Practice on Demolition and have finalised the interim technical guidelines for the Building Safety Inspection Scheme.



Cleaning up the New Territories

Year Pledge Present Position
Action Completed
1995 1. To seek improvements to 50㗖ectares of "existing use" (EU) black spots over the next few years through enforcement and negotiation in the first place; but if all else fails, to consider new legislation. In-situ environmental improvements works have been completed for 126 cases comprising 14.94 hectares. In addition, the Code of Practice for Container Depots has been successfully implemented on 13 EU depots comprising 34.94 hectares. Together with 12.3 hectares of government land which have also been cleared and 10.4 hectares landscaped, the first 50 hectares target have been met. Further improvements works are on-going.
Action in Progress: On Schedule
1995 2. To begin cleaning up environmental black spots in the eastern part of the North District in early 1996 and to clear and landscape those sites which are on government land. Eight undertakings totalling 1.75 hectares have completed in-situ improvement works. 3.4 hectares illegally occupied government land sites were all cleared. Remaining landscaping work will await completion of road improvement projects. Further improvements are on-going.


Sustainable Development

Year Pledge Present Position
Action in Progress: A Pledge to Catch Up
1996 1.

To launch a study on "Sustainable Development for the 21st Century" in early 1997 at a cost of $40 million, the aim of which is to enable Hong Kong to balance the costs and benefits of development. The study will :

  • define the concept of "sustainability" as applied to Hong Kong;

    • develop sustainability indicators;
  • develop a system which enables incorporation of the concept of "sustainable development" into the process of policy formulation, strategic planning and implementation; and

  • propose publicity strategies to increase public understanding of the concept of sustainability.

Due to complexity of the study, more time has been given to the consultant selection process. An Agreement was signed with the selected consultant in August 1997. The Study was formally launched in September 1997 for completion in 30 months.
To consult the public on the findings of the study before formulating detailed plans on how to take the matter forward.


Urban Renewal

Year Pledge Present Position
Action Completed
1996 1. To select a pilot project in late 1996 to test the feasibility of linking financially non-viable urban renewal projects with the development of other sites granted to the Land Development Corporation. A pilot scheme in Tsuen Wan and Kennedy Town was selected in late 1996 and approved by the Executive Council in early 1997 to test the feasibility of linking two financially non-viable redevelopment projects with the development of two vacant sites granted at full market premium to the Land Development Corporation.
Action in Progress: On Schedule
1996 2. To grant two hectares of land to the Housing Society for the development of 2 000 additional flats to provide rehousing for the Land Development Corporation's redevelopment projects. Land grant for the first site is being processed.
1996 3. To consider and make recommendations by early 1998 on the longer-term proposal to upgrade the Land Development Corporation into an Urban Renewal Authority and to create a fund to facilitate urban rehabilitation. An inter-departmental Working Group is considering the establishment of an Urban Renewal Authority and the creation of a loan fund to facilitate urban rehabilitation.
1996 4. To consider and make recommendations by early 1998 on the longer-term proposal to enact legislation to facilitate site assembly for redevelopment. A bill is being drafted to facilitate site assembly for redevelopment with a view to introducing it into the Provisional Legislative Council in January 1998.


Preparing for the Transition

Year Pledge Present Position
Action Completed
1996 1. To complete the survey of 14 military sites in 1996 for handover to the future Chinese garrison in 1997. The survey was completed and the sites were handed over to the Chinese garrison.
On-going Commitments
1996 2. To continue to liaise with the Guangdong authority through the Hong Kong-Guangdong Environmental Protection Liaison Group on the conservation of Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphins (also locally known as Chinese white dolphins). A study group has been set up under the Technical Sub-Group of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Environmental Protection Liaison Group for the conservation of the Chinese White Dolphins. The Terms of Reference and membership of the study group have been endorsed by the Technical Sub-Group.
1994 3. To respond to suggestions from and to exchange information with Mainland officials to strengthen cross-border co-operation on infrastructure. We have continued our exchanges with Mainland officials through the Infrastructure Co-ordinating Committee (ICC). Since its establishment , the ICC has held five plenary sessions.


Progress Report