LAND AND HOUSING
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75-year leases. Revenue from land transactions in the New Ter- ritories during the same period was $60.1 million. These figures are two to three times higher than for the previous financial year.
Where it is not possible to dispose of land immediately either because public utilities and other services are not yet available or the site has been set aside for some future purpose, the land is rarely left vacant but may be occupied either on temporary annual permit or on short term tenancy. The 1970-1 revenue from this type of tenure was approximately $7.9 million in the urban area and $3.3 million in the New Territories (the last figure includes modifica- tion of tenancy fees). As permanent development continues, permits are cancelled and the number decreases year by year; short term tenancies however are increasing. Revenue derived in rent from the leasing of government-owned buildings in whole or part totalled $6.5 million.
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URBAN RENEWAL
Acquisition of property by negotiations with owners in both the Urban Renewal Pilot Scheme area and in the Urban Renewal District as a whole generally increased. Almost 90 properties have so far been acquired at a cost of about $9 million and negotiations are continuing for the acquisition of a further 150. The resumption of
property within the pilot scheme area commenced during the year and some 25 properties have already reverted to the Crown. An inter-departmental co-ordinating committee has been set up to ensure the even progress of urban renewal and with a view to speeding up property acquisition and clearance of sites for redevelop- ment in the pilot scheme area.
The Urban Renewal District comprises some 250 acres in the Western and Sai Ying Pun districts of Hong Kong Island. The Town Planning Board amended the draft outline zoning plan for this area and heard objections to the amendments. The draft plan has been submitted for consideration by the Governor in Council.
SURVEY
Land surveys in Hong Kong serve two main purposes; first the delineation of town planning layouts which includes the setting out of public works and the boundaries of private lots and government sites, i.e. cadastral survey; and second the production of plans and maps. The demand for cadastral surveys and plans continued to rise during the year with the increased interest in private develop- ment. Surveys for government sites and the setting out of building works also showed a steady increase.
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