Infrastructure Development and Heritage Conservation | 213
Environmental and Area Improvement
The Planning Department undertook an on-going feasibility study on an urban climatic map and standards for wind environment, and air ventilation assessment studies for various proposals. Meanwhile, pedestrian plans for Causeway Bay, Kwun Tong and Tai Po Market, and an area improvement plan for Tsim Sha Tsui have been. completed. The pedestrian plan for Central District and the area improvement plan for the shopping areas in Mong Kok were at the final stage for completion. A planning and engineering review of potential housing sites in Tuen Mun East was in
progress.
Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines
The Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines is a government manual of criteria for determining the scale, location and site requirements of various land uses and facilities applicable to planning studies, town plans and development control. It is constantly under review to take account of changes in government policies, demographic characteristics and social and economic trends. During the year, the planning standards for kindergartens and primary schools were amended. The guidelines on rock cavern development were also revised.
Land Supply
The Development Bureau continues the policy of providing adequate land to meet the development needs of the community and of striking a balance between development and providing a quality living environment. To facilitate and encourage hotel developments to support Hong Kong's tourism industry, a total of 10 'hotel use only' sites are included in the 2008-09 Application List for the first time. For sites included in the 2008-09 Application List, the bureau has assessed the particulars of each site carefully and has specified (or will specify) in the Conditions of Sale appropriate development parameters like building height limits and maximum gross floor area or plot ratio.
Where required, air ventilation assessment will be conducted, and appropriate development restrictions will be imposed in the conditions of sale. The bureau has reviewed the approved schemes of the property development projects at Nam Cheong and Yuen Long stations along the West Rail to lower their development density where justified. Consultation with relevant stakeholders is being undertaken on the proposed revised schemes.
Land Acquisition
When private land has to be acquired for public use, this may be done through negotiations or by resumption. The ordinances provide for compensation to be paid for the value of the property resumed as at the date of acquisition and for loss of business. If agreement cannot be reached on the amount of compensation to be paid, either party may go to the Lands Tribunal for adjudication. As an alternative to statutory compensation, there are simplified assessment procedures for early release of payments to facilitate clearance of the land. Some 125 850 square metres of private land, comprising about 250 square metres of building land and 125 600