(d)
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of the number of such STTs granted by the Lands Department despite opposition from the district boards since April 1, 1995, and the reasons for their opposition; and the justification for the Lands Department granting the STTs in the face of such opposition?
Answer:
Mr President,
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
From the period April 1, 1992 to September 30, 1996, 203 STT sites were let by tender for public car park uses. The cumulative estimated number of parking spaces provided by all these sites for various types of vehicles are about 30,000. The Lands Department will process such cases as and when sites become available, in the light of demand and competing needs for short term tenancy uses. Currently, 20 STT applications for car parking are being processed. They will provide some 3,000 parking spaces if approved.
An environmental impact assessment is not required for short term lettings.
Before a site is let by short term tenancy, the District Lands Office of the Lands Department will consult the relevant Government departments including the District Office. The District Officer will seek advice of the District Board if considered necessary.
Normally, District Boards welcome proposals to grant STTS for public car parks in view of the shortage of parking facilities which is a general problem in many districts, and have indeed been pressing the Administration to do more. Since April 1995, we are aware of two cases where STT's were granted despite the disagreement of the District Board. The reasons for their objection include traffic impact and possible nuisance generated. However on both occasions the professional assessment of the departments concerned was that there was no The Lands justification that adverse traffic impact would arise.
Department had also restricted the operating hours of the car parks in order to limit any possible nuisance that might be generated. The decision to let the sites was made in view of the acute demand for vehicle parking in these areas.
End