XN000022-1995-01-26 — Page 3

2.

Of these, 14 were approved, 29 rejected, nine withdrawn and five being processed.

"The large number of planning applications resulting from the enforcement actions shows that people are becoming more familiar with planning requirements and are aware of the government's determination to clear the black spots. By the end of 1994, 156 unauthorised development cases involving about 80 hectares of land had been discontinued or regularised. This is an encouraging sign indeed," Dr Pun said.

The Director also noted that immediate prosecution taken since November 1993 had speeded up the whole enforcement process by over six months.

Of the 143 summonses laid last year, 30 per cent were subject to immediate prosecution action without issuing enforcement notices.

In the year, the court convicted 77 defendants in respect of 44 cases, and handed down fines ranging from $5,000 to $199,000 with a daily fine from $100 to $5,000.

"Apart from stepping up enforcement actions, we are now considering heavier penalties to achieve a stronger deterrent effect. Sites have also been identified on Outline Zoning Plans for directing unplanned uses to more properly planned sites," Dr Pun explained.

On the Territorial Development Strategy (TDS) review, Dr Pun said his department was incorporating public comments into the final report which was scheduled for completion in mid-1995. "The Recommended Strategy will comprise two long-term (2011) development options under two assumed development scenarios, complemented by a medium term (2006) strategy," he said.

Dr Pun also gave a brief account of his department's work related to the Metroplan.

He said public consultation on the findings of the Development Statements for West Kowloon, Tsuen Wan-Kwai Tsing and Southeast Kowloon was completed in December last year.

Two consultancy studies on the preparation of Development Statements for Hong Kong Island West as well as Central and East Kowloon began last year for completion in April 1995 and February 1996 respectively, he added.