ENG-1966 — Page 177

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LAND AND HOUSING

TOWN PLANNING

The basic aim of town planning in Hong Kong is to provide a framework within which public and private development may pro- gress together; to ensure that adequate provision is made for industry and housing, for open spaces, public buildings, communications and social services; and to control the use and stimulate the development of land. This planning has particular bearing on the development of new industrial townships, the redevelopment of out-of-date urban localities and the gradual expansion of the urban areas.

Since 1953, plans have been prepared for 38 planning districts in the urban areas. In addition many large-scale layout plans have been drawn up covering small portions of the urban areas and the New Territories. These plans are used as a guide in the sale of Crown land and the redevelopment of private land, but have no statutory effect except where approved in accordance with the Town Planning Ordinance.

The Town Planning Board consists of seven official and three unofficial members and operates under the Town Planning Ordin- ance. The board has, to date, published outline development and layout plans for 15 districts, 14 of which have been approved by the Governor in Council and one rejected. Approved plans cover the following areas: Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau, North Point, Chai Wan, Yau Ma Tei, Hung Hom, Ma Tau Kok, Kwun Tong Tsai Wan, Ngau Tau Kok, Fung Wong Village, Cha Kwo Ling, north-east Kowloon, Sha Tin, the central district of Victoria, and Tsuen Wan district. Plans of Sha Tin and the central district of Victoria are at present under statutory revision. Draft plans for Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon and for the new towns of Castle Peak and Sha Tin in the New Territories (the latter replacing the earlier approved plan of Sha Tin) were published and objections submitted thereto are under consideration by the Board. Statutory plans for Shau Kei Wan and Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island and Ngau Chi Wan and Sam Ka Tsuen-Lei Yue Mun on the mainland are in preparation.

PRIVATE BUILDING

Although the value of new buildings certified for occupation was $1,058 million, another record, this can be partly discounted by