LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES
Strategy, the non-metropolitan sub-regional planning statements are being reviewed, priority being given to those for the north-western and south-western New Territories. In addition, site search exercises were conducted to identify the most suitable locations for major facilities.
Planning Standards and Studies
The Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines provides a basis for the designation of land for various uses, such as community, recreational, commercial and industrial facilities, the density of different types of residential developments and environmental, locational and site requirements, all of which need to be considered in the preparation of town plans and planning briefs. The document is constantly under review to take account of changes in government policies, demographic characteristics and social and economic trends. Changes to the standards and guidelines are approved by the Land Development Policy Committee. Reviewed during the year were sections related to children's and youth centres, community centres, cooked food centres, markets, refuse-collection points, sports complexes, and parking and loading/unloading facilities for various types of development.
Surveys on land and floor uses covering the whole territory are carried out or updated to provide basic input for the preparation of statutory and departmental plans. Land use surveys were completed for Happy Valley, Tai Tam, Sheung Wan, Ho Man Tin, Cheung Sha Wan, Lei Cheng Uk, Pak Tin, Ngau Chi Wan, Wang Tau Hom, Sau Mau Ping, Lei Yue Mun-and Ma Yau Tong. Studies were conducted on special topics such as the planning implications of relaxing airport height restrictions, industrial activities in Tuen Mun, industrial buildings constructed with special requirements, alternative approaches to assessing industrial floorspace requirements, industrial land use in Quarry Bay, open space in private housing estates, and cycle-parking facilities. Regular studies, such as the forecast of future land supply and land requirements, are also carried out to provide information for planning and development of the territory. Other studies completed or in progress include retail facilities in private residential estates, occupation ratios for public and private housing, the Tertiary Planning Unit/Street Block system, and office automation.
Design and Layout
The Design and Layout Unit of the Town Planning Office provides urban design services and advice for the preparation of outline development plans, layout plans and planning applications which require special design and landscaping treatment.
District Planning
At the district level, two types of plans are prepared, statutory and departmental. Their purposes are to control land use, building volume and development characteristics on in- dividual sites to meet the demands of the territory's growing population and to ensure, as far as possible, adequate provision of required community facilities and public utility services.
The Town Planning Ordinance provides for the preparation of statutory town plans, known as outline zoning plans, by the Town Planning Board, with the aim of promot- ing the health, safety, convenience and general welfare of the community. These plans show areas designated for residential, commercial, industrial, open space, government/ institution/community or other specified purposes. They provide a framework for the development and use of land and serve as a guide for public and private investment.
197