by 73% over the year and the value of piling work during the year was $47,000,000, an increase of 74% over last year. There has also been a noticeable tendency towards the construction of larger and taller buildings. Approximately 35% of the projects submitted for structural consideration were of 10 storeys or over in height.
3.03. With the increased activity in the planning stages and the large sales of Crown Land, it seems likely that a very high figure of capital expenditure on private building work will be maintained although trends are difficult to forecast.
Legislation
3.04. The year has seen the passage of legislation in three fields which have already had a marked effect on the work load in this office, and it is likely that further effects will be felt in the future.
3.05. In the field of planning, amendments to the Planning Regulations were enacted. These new regulations, which will not be fully operative until January 1966, will control development from a plot ratio and site coverage aspect, rather than the existing concept of volume based on street width, which has led to over-development in some cases. Certain of these regulations, which deal with open space and lighting to kitchens, will become fully effective on 1st July, 1963.
3.06. Regulations concerning demolition works became operative. These regulations call for firmer control of this important and hazardous building operation, and require the work to be carried out by specialist contractors under expert supervision.
3.07. A new ordinance in respect of buildings demolished because of their dangerous condition was enacted in January. This ordinance provides for compensation to be paid to the tenants of demolished buildings to which the Landlord and Tenant Ordinance applies. It also makes provision for the service of notice requiring the redevelopment of sites previously occupied by buildings which have been demolished on account of their dangerous condition.
Domestic Buildings
3.08. The demand for domestic accommodation continued to be strong with the emphasis on small tenement units. There was a marked preference for very large composite buildings, comprised mainly of small tenement units. Two large hotels in the central area of Hong Kong, and another in Tsim Sha Tsui, were nearing completion.
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