Modification of Lease Conditions
135. Modifications of restrictive user or development conditions were granted in respect of twenty-seven lots; the 'twenty year' restrictions on assignment, subletting, etc. were removed, on payment of a premium in each case, in respect of 5 lots.
PLANNING DIVISION
General
136. 1960-61 saw a significant increase in the activities of the Planning Division. A resurgence in the economy of the Colony resulted in a marked increase in the demand for land, particularly for industrial development. This in turn caused increasing pressure for the planning and layout of new areas, since the wisdom of building only in accordance with some form of overall plan became more and more appreciated by those concerned with development.
137. The preparation of long-term outline development schemes takes place under two main heads:
(1) Statutory plans prepared in accordance with the Town Planning Ordinance.
(2) Departmental plans prepared on the authority of the Director of Public Works.
Preparation and approval of the former category of plans follows a set procedure laid down in the Ordinance which requires exhibition of the draft plan for a period of 2 months, consideration by the Board of any objections received and for submission to, and approval by, the Governor in Council. The latter category of plans follows a somewhat similar procedure except that exhibition for public comment is not mandatory (though comments of public bodies are sometimes sought) and approval is purely departmental (inter-departmental in the New Territories) and of no statutory significance.
Statutory Plans
138. During 1960-61 the Town Planning Board met on ten occasions. The Outline Development Plan of Kowloon Planning Areas 8 and 11 passed through all stages and received approval in December 1960. The plan covers 1,350 acres of the mainland from Waterloo Road eastwards to Clear Water Bay Road, including Diamond Hill and the Airport, and providing for a population of some 650,000 people. Minor amendments were approved to the approved plans for the Yau Ma Tei and Hung Hom districts in Kowloon. The Board gave much time to the
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