XN000022-1995-03-01 — Page 65

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Comprehensive Development Area zoning

Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan Wai-yip and a written reply by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Tony Eason, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Since the adoption of the "Comprehensive Development Area (CDA)" zoning as a guiding concept to promote co-ordinated urban renewal, the Town Planning Board has endorsed a number of CDA layout plans despite objections from the local residents, thus allowing the Land Development Corporation, the Hong Kong Housing Society and private developers to submit applications for development. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

of the effects of CDA zoning on the promotion of urban renewal;

of the time required from the designation of a CDA to the implementation of the redevelopment scheme;

whether the developers granted permission to undertake redevelopment in a CDA are required to start or complete their projects within a specified period; if so, what is the number of cases in which work has failed to commence in accordance with the schedule of the scheme, and what the reasons for the delays are;

whether, in view of the adverse affects which a delay in redevelopment may have on the residents and the district concerned, consideration will be given to imposing punishment on those developers who are granted the right of development but have delayed the commencement of redevelopment projects, so as to speed up the urban renewal process; and

whether CDA zoning will continue to be adopted as a guiding concept for urban renewal; if so, whether any plans have been drawn up for improving its effectiveness?