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HOUSING AND LAND

Prior to the preparation of a draft statutory plan, a background study of the existing situation and a forecast of future population, land requirements and other trends is carried out to assess the problems and needs of the planning area in relation to surrounding areas and the territory as a whole. These statutory plans show, in general terms, areas set aside or zoned for residential, commercial, government, institution or community use, and for other specified purposes. They provide an important link between the government and the public in that they give an indication of the future broad pattern of land use, including major public works for developing areas, and so provide a guide to public and private investment.

Draft statutory plans are exhibited for public inspection. Objections to plans are considered by the Town Planning Board and the draft plans amended, where appropriate, before they are submitted to the Governor in Council for approval. There are 39 planning areas in the urban areas, of which 18 are now covered by approved plans and four by draft plans. Applications may be made to the Town Planning Board for permission to use land for a purpose specified in the notes on the plans. During the year, 40 applications were received and considered by the board. There was one appeal under section 17 of the Town Planning Ordinance for residential redevelopment of property required for open space development, but it was rejected by the Executive Council.

Departmental planning guides for developing rural areas, and departmental outline development plans and layout plans for developing urban areas, are prepared within the framework of statutory plans and the Hong Kong Outline Plan. These plans are normally drawn to larger scales and show detailed road proposals, the disposition of building sites reserved for various uses, and other details. They are 'action' plans to enable land to be prepared and released for public or private develop- ment. Because these plans may be subject to frequent changes of detail, they are used on an administrative basis to maintain flexibility. The plans are submitted to the layout plans sub-committee of the Land Development Policy Committee or to the New Territories Development Progress Committee for approval.

Most of the development areas in Hong Kong are covered by some kind of plan. But many of the statutory plans and departmental plans are due for review to take account of recent changes in planning policies, housing policies, population forecasts and other trends. New plans are produced at the metric scales which have been adopted in the Public Works Department.

New Towns

Because of the limited amount of land suitable for development, it has long been necessary to create more building land by cutting platforms into hillsides and by reclaiming shallow waters on the coast and in estuaries. This method is being widely used in the development of Hong Kong's three new towns of Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun and Sha Tin.

The long-term housing programme to be carried out by the Housing Authority provides for about half of the new public housing to be built in these new towns and in old townships such as Tai Po and Yuen Long. The new towns will gradually be