TNAG-0657-FCO40-806-Town-planning-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 115

C.S. 166

CONFIDENTIAL # #

機密

XCC(77)40B

Copy No.3.4. of 40 Page 5 of 6

Much has

Water Street because the effects will be far less serious. been done in the design of the undertaking to reduce these effects still further. As much clearance as possible, bearing in mind traffic and construction requirements, has been maintained between the flyover and buildings adjacent to it and concrete parapets will help to reduce the effects of noise and dust. Upon completion of the flyover, there will be less traffic at ground level than at present. As it would not be possible to modify the undertaking to the extent necessary to secure the withdrawal of the objections, it is proposed that it should be approved without modification under section 6(1) of the Ordinance. Thereafter claims of pecuniary loss or damage arising from the undertaking can be dealt with under section 4(2) and pursued, if necessary, to the Lands Tribunal under section 7 of the Ordinance.

Effect on building restrictions in the Mid-levels

6

If the forecast commencement and completion dates for the proposed undertaking can be adhered to, the full benefit of it should be felt by the end of 1979. Authorisation of the commencement of the scheme as forecast is considered to be an essential prerequisite for the lifting of the building restrictions currently in force in the mid-levels under the Temporary Restriction of Building Development (Mid-levels) Ordinance due to expire on 31st July 1977, since any redevelopment projects which might get underway after its expiry would not be likely to be completed before the scheme. Proposals regarding that Ordinance are being prepared for submission to the Council separately on 28th June 1977. However, if the undertaking discussed in this memorandum is likely to be significantly delayed, further extension of the restric- tions on development will be proposed.

Public Relations

7

Some local anxiety may be caused by the announcement of a decision to construct the Hill Road Flyover. In the long term, however, the road improvements will benefit the travelling public and the general aim of any publicity must be to emphasise the great im- provements in traffic movement which will be achieved by the works. It will also be emphasised that the route has been deliberately chosen to avoid disturbing people, the ground level traffic will be reduced and the pavements widened in many places.

CONFIDENTIAL #2

機密