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LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES

It was also engaged in forward planning and development control for the districts, including co-ordination of various urban renewal efforts; and in undertaking enforcement action against unauthorised developments in designated rural areas.

Review of the Town Planning Ordinance

The Town Planning Ordinance was first enacted in 1939. In 1987, the Executive Council ordered that an overall review of the ordinance should be undertaken, with a view to introducing new legislation to replace the existing one, to provide the necessary degree of guidance and control for planning and development to meet Hong Kong's changing circumstances.

Public consultation on the comprehensive review of the Town Planning Ordinance was carried out in 1991. As part of the review, a special committee was set up to consider specifically the complex and contentious issue of compensation and betterment arising from planning actions. After careful consideration of the submissions and views from various sectors, the special committee completed its work and submitted a report to the Governor in 1992.

The administration has completed analysis of the public comments received and the recommendations of the special committee. Proposals for the new Planning Ordinance have been drawn up. A White Bill is being drafted and is proposed to be published for public consultation in 1995.

Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines

The Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines is a government document of planning criteria and guidelines for determining the quantities, scales, locations and site requirements of various land uses and facilities. The document is applied to planning studies, the preparation or revision of town plans and development control. It is constantly under review to take account of changes in government policies, demographic characteristics as well as social and economic trends. Major work undertaken during the year included the formulation and revision of planning standards and guidelines for kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, vehicle repair workshops, and density guidelines for private residential areas.

To promote public awareness of planning and to facilitate the application of these standards and guidelines by non-government bodies, the document has been made available in various libraries. The document is also available for sale to the public, on a chapter-by- chapter basis.

Territorial Development Strategy

The Territorial Development Strategy (TDS) is the highest tier in the hierarchy of town plans in Hong Kong. It provides a broad, long-term framework on land use, transport and environmental matters for the planning and development of the territory. It aims to facilitate the continued growth of Hong Kong as a regional centre of business and finance, a high- capacity container port and an international focal point for aviation.

A comprehensive review of the strategy was commenced in 1990. Previous strategic development plans aimed mainly at meeting the territory's own needs in terms of land-use and infrastructure. The current TDS review, however, takes account of the relationship