196
LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES
considered 248 applications for planning permission and 42 applications for review, as compared with 209 and 26 respectively in 1987.
Some planning applications involve relatively large-scale comprehensive redevelopment schemes with significant impact on the districts in which they are located. During the year, 10 such schemes were considered by the Town Planning Board, including the redevelopment of a tram depot in Wan Chai, the redevelopment of a bus depot in North Point, the redevelopment of a cotton mill in Tuen Mun and an ex-oil depot in Tsuen Wan. Outline development and layout plans are used administratively within the government to guide development. While outline development plans and layout plans are both prepared within the framework of the sub-regional planning statements and statutory outline zoning plan, layout plans are usually of local significance and apply to newly-formed land or to areas requiring comprehensive redevelopment. They are action plans enabling land to be prepared and released for public and private development. Compared with statutory plans, they are normally drawn to a larger scale, showing road proposals and the disposition of sites in greater details. Examples of such plans prepared during the year included layout plans for Sai Tso Wan and Cha Kwo Ling in Kwun Tong, Shek Wu Hui and On Lok Tsuen in Fanling and Sheung Shui.
Review of Town Planning Ordinance
The Town Planning Ordinance, enacted in 1939, is based primarily on the English planning legislation of 1932. While some amendments to the ordinance have been made over these years, the essence of the legislation remains basically unchanged. The existing ordinance is therefore found to be inadequate in some respects to cope with the changing socio- economic and political conditions.
Following an Executive Council decision to revise the ordinance, an Advisory Group was formed in early 1988 to embark on an overall review of the current planning legislation. The review covers all related aspects including the coverage of planning jurisdiction, protection of environment, public involvement, planning permission, enforcement, com- pensation, appeal, and conservation of historic buildings and trees.
Planning Information
The Central Information and Technical Administration Unit of the Town Planning Office provides a common channel through which planning information is released to the public. The unit also promotes public understanding of town planning and development in Hong Kong by issuing pamphlets, reports, and other forms of publication for distribution to the public. Briefings, lectures and seminars were arranged to explain to the district boards, local residents associations and educational institutions on general town planning in Hong Kong or specific planning issues. A total of 3 700 enquiries from members of the public were handled by or through the arrangement of this unit, representing a 21 per cent increase compared with 3 050 enquiries in 1987. Persons seeking planning advice and planning information included professionals, property owners, developers, journalists and students.
New Towns and Rural Townships
Since 1972, comprehensive new town development has taken place in many parts of the New Territories to meet a 10-year housing programme to provide proper living conditions for 1.8 million people. This target has been substantially achieved and the new town development programme has since been extended into the 1990s. Provided with a full range of social, educational and recreational facilities, the seven new towns created at Tsuen Wan,