ENG-1973 — Page 150

LAND AND HOUSING

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reviews to be effective. Work was proceeding on its updating and revision, taking into account the results of the 1971 census and recent changes in policies.

Background studies are prepared for all areas before detailed planning proceeds. They identify deficiencies or over-provision of community facilities and land required for various uses in relation to the existing and future populations of planning areas. A 10-year development programme for all of Hong Kong is being prepared within the framework of the Colony Outline Plan.

On the advice of the Land Development Planning Committee, the Governor instructs the Town Planning Board to prepare plans under the provisions of the Town Planning Ordinance, for areas where development is likely to affect leased land or private interests. The board's draft plans are exhibited for public objection. Objections are heard by the board which may amend its plans. Any which are not withdrawn are submitted to the Governor in Council together with the draft plans. Once the draft plans are approved by the Governor in Council they become statutory documents. The zoning proposals are implemented through lease conditions where possible, and through the Buildings Ordinance. During the year a total of six draft statutory plans have been prepared by the Town Planning Board, two were referred back to the board for amendment or replacement, a further nine were in various stages of preparation and one draft statutory plan was approved during the year.

Departmental planning guides for developing rural areas and outline develop- ment and layout plans for developing urban areas are prepared within the framework of the Colony Outline Plan, and of statutory outline zoning plans where these exist. Outline development and layout plans are drawn to larger scales and indicate road patterns and the layout of sites for various uses including reserves for government, institution and community uses, open spaces, utility companies and other specific requirements. After consulting with other departments and making amendments where appropriate, these plans are submitted to the Land Development Planning Committee for agreement. They are then adopted by the Director of Public Works when they are in the urban areas, or by the District Commissioner when they are in the New Territories. During the year, four outline development plans were adopted. These plans have no statutory effect but are used as a guide for the formulation of leases, the sale of Crown land and the redevelopment of leased land.

Most of Hong Kong's developing areas are now covered by departmental planning guides and outline development and layout plans. Most parts of both the older and new urban areas are covered by statutory plans. However, many of the present departmental and statutory plans were due for revision and replacement by plans which take account of more sophisticated forms of development and increasing social requirements.

Urban Renewal Pilot Scheme

In the urban renewal pilot scheme area, more than 60 properties have been acquired by negotiation or resumption during the year, at a cost of more than $11 million. The total number of properties acquired was 223, and a further 142 remained.

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