LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES
Rural Planning and Improvement Strategy
The Rural Planning and Improvement Strategy (RPIS) aims at improving the conditions and the general environment of the rural areas in the New Territories through the formulation of a planning and administrative framework to guide development and the provision of essential infrastructure and amenities. The strategy was approved by the Executive Council in March 1989.
A major stream of follow-up work related to RPIS is the revision and up-dating of the sub-regional development strategies to address the land use problems and re-examine the long-term needs and development potential of each sub-region, giving priority to the North-western and South-western New Territories in 1990. They would provide guidance for detailed planning and works programming at district and local levels.
Other policy level follow-up tasks include the monitoring and review of development management guidelines for the rural areas of the New Territories, the undertaking of studies and forward planning on sites for open storage uses and village expansion, review of the rural upgrading concept in the context of the management of urban transition areas, rural activity areas, recreation priority areas and countryside conservation areas in relation to the review of the sub-regional development strategies. Various options and institutional mechanisms for the development or redevelopment and management of these areas are being formulated in relation to statutory planning and other administrative controls in the rural areas. These studies and reviews also take into account the extent of urban development pressures as well as future housing, industrial and port-related uses arising from the Long-Term Housing Strategy, the Port and Airport Development Strategy and other major strategic studies affecting these areas.
District level RPIS activities include the preparation and processing of village and other layout plans to provide guidance for the early implementation of village improvement schemes, as well as infrastructural and other works under the RPIS programme. Relevant development works items are initially included into district-based RPIS programmes co- ordinated and monitored by the district Rural Development Working Groups.
The overall policy and development management aspects of RPIS are monitored by the RPIS Monitoring Group, while the Rural Development Steering Committee oversees and monitors progress on the implementation of Rural Development Programmes.
SPUN
Metroplan has also generated some ancillary studies including the study of the use of underground space (SPUN). In the high-density, congested metropolitan area it is very difficult to find suitable sites for essential facilities such as sewage treatment plants and refuse transfer stations. Further reclamation or construction of hillside platforms for more space are inherently problematic from an environmental point of view. The SPUN study which has been completed is a preliminary assessment of six rock caverns in the Metroplan area. A set of administrative/statutory procedures for the planning and implementation of underground rock cavern developments is being prepared. A number of detailed studies for potential government projects are now in progress.
Planning Standards and Studies
The Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines provide a basis for the designation of land for various uses such as community, recreational, commercial and industrial facilities,
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