CO129-614-4 Visit of Sir Patrick Abercrombie to advise on town planning 18-1-1949 - 19-5-1950 — Page 26

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Mr. Grossmith

I hesitate to comment on such an admirable report especially as I have no personal knowledge of Hong Kong but I put forward the following points, for what they are worth.

Section 3.

paras. 20, 21, and 25. This extraordinary high density of population is a salient feature of the Colony.

I agree whole heartedly with Sir Patrick that the standard maximum density should be studied further and the high figure tried out in properly designed building before general adoption. I therefore support this proposal for research into this aspect of housing and for a model study of a neighbourhood unit. Such a study seems to me almost to come within the category of D. and W. It would of course include a study of the small shop and domestic workshop problem (section 4) and would make use, as far as local conditions permit, of the Ministry of Town and Country Planning's

"Redevelopment of Central Areas" manual (to which Sir Patrick refers).

Part III. Realisation. Again without any local knowledge

I would suggest that the special committee,

Sir Patrick mentions as advisory in town planning should be thought of as a Central Housing and Planning Authority rather on the lines now adopted in the West Indies at the instigation of Sir Frank Stockdale and Gardner - Medwin. the makup and working of this Authority is discussed at some length in the "Housing in West Indies" bulletin (C.D.W. No. 13). In many ways it does very much what Sir Patrick suggests for this committee but its ideal makup is more clearly defined and I personally believe it is the right organisational approach to this problem and should with modifications to suit local conditions be favoured for colonial housing and town planning general.

Perhaps it might be of value to obtain Professor Holford's views on this point and if you think worthwhile bring our comments to Sir Patrick's notice.

I had better discuss this further with you on the 'phone. Incidentally I think a copy of this report should be available at B.R.S. if possible.

(sgd) A. Atkinson.

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