LAND AND HOUSING
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which will replace the obsolete military maps, currently the only available topographic maps of the Colony. The first sheets should be on sale before the end of 1968.
A new detailed geological map of the Colony is now being prepared by two experts seconded from the Institute of Geological Sciences in Britain. Their field investigations are expected to be completed in 1968 and the map should be published a year or so later.
TOWN PLANNING
The basic aim of town planning in Hong Kong is to provide a framework within which public and private development may progress together; to ensure that adequate provision is made for industry and housing, for open spaces, public buildings, communi- cations 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 This planning has particular bearing on the development of new industrial townships, the redevelopment of out-of-date urban localities and the gradual expansion of the urban areas.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 the 37 planning areas comprising the main urbanized part of the Colony and for 11 towns of various sizes in the New Territories. They are of two types: statutory plans, prepared under the Town Planning Ordin- ance; and outline development and detailed layout plans which have no statutory effect, but are used as a guide in the sale of Crown land and the redevelopment of private land.
The Town Planning Board, constituted under the Town Planning Ordinance, consists of seven official and three unofficial members. The plans of areas where planning schemes are likely to affect private land or interests are prepared under the board's direction and published for public objection or comment for a period of two months.
Statutory plans for 17 planning areas have been approved to date, four are under preparation and a further four are under amendment, having been referred back to the Board. Recent statutory plans of particular public interest are those for the new towns at Castle Peak and Sha Tin, in the New Territories, and
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