XN000022-1973-07-04 — Page 3

Wednesday, July 4, 1973

SIX-MONTH RESTRICTION ON NEW BUILDING PLANS

FOR MID LEVELS AND POK FU LAM

The government is to impose, from today, a six-month standstill

on the approval of new building plans for the Mid-Levels and Pok Fu Lam

arcas pending the outcome of a detailed traffic study.

The restrictions will apply to the area of Pok Fu Lam from Mount

Davis to Wah Fu Estate and in the Mid-Levels between Caine Road-Bonham Road

and the 700-foot contour bounded on the east by Glenealy and extending to

the west as far as Kotewall Road and the University of Hong Kong.

The acting Director of Public Works, the Hon. A.S, Robertson, told the

Legislative Council today that it was proposed to introduce logislation at the next

sitting of the council which would require the Building Authority to refuse to

approve new building plans submitted after today in these two areas for six months.

Modifications of leases where they were required to permit redevelopment

would also not be granted.

Mr. Robertson said the measures were being taken "in view of the

serious traffic problems which would result if building continues to be

unrestricted in these areas."

"During this six-month period, traffic engineers will carry out a

thorough study of all aspects of the traffic problem to permit the government

to make a decision as to the proper extent and duration of the restrictions,"

he said.

/The traffic