210 Infrastructure Development and Heritage Conservation
drawn up in response to public aspirations and to facilitate active public involvement in protecting Hong Kong's heritage.
Planning for Hong Kong
Strategic town planning provides an important framework for Hong Kong's future development. To this end, in 2007 the Government completed the 'Hong Kong 2030: Planning Vision and Strategy' study which provides a planning framework for the city's long-term development. This study has adopted sustainable development as its principal goal. The recommended strategy, which focuses on the three broad directions of providing a quality living environment, enhancing economic competitiveness and strengthening links with the Mainland, aims to help Hong Kong achieve its vision as 'Asia's world city'.
Land Use Planning
The Planning Department prepares planning and development strategy at the territorial level and town plans at the district level. The department also keeps the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines under constant review, and serves as the executive arm of the Town Planning Board.
Town Planning Board
The Town Planning Board (TPB) is the principal body responsible for statutory planning in Hong Kong. Its members are appointed by the Chief Executive under the Town Planning Ordinance (TPO). Comprising predominantly non-official members, the TPB oversees the preparation of draft statutory plans, considers representations to such plans and applications for planning permission and for amendments to plans. In 2008, 30 statutory plans were amended and one Urban Renewal Authority development scheme plan was published. At the end of 2008, there were 108 outline zoning plans (OZPs), one development permission area (DPA) plan, eight Land Development Corporation development scheme plans and nine Urban Renewal Authority development scheme plans.
Under the TPO, any person may submit to the Town Planning Board representations in respect of draft statutory plans exhibited for public inspection. In 2008, the TPB heard 8 040 representations and related comments. The authority to approve statutory plan rests with the Chief Executive in Council. During the year, 18 statutory plans were submitted to the Chief Executive in Council for approval. To achieve greater public participation in the planning process, a new section about applications for amendment of statutory plans was incorporated in the TPO in 2004. In 2008, the TPB considered 58 such applications.
A set of notes is attached to each statutory plan, indicating the uses in particular zones that are always permitted and those which require TPB permission. In 2008, the TPB considered 1050 applications for planning permission and reviewed its decisions on 78 applications.
Applicants who are aggrieved by the decisions of the TPB may lodge appeals with the independent Town Planning Appeal Boards. In 2008, the appeal boards