ENG-2001 — Page 268

LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES

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The Secretary for Planning and Lands is chairman of both the Committee on Planning and Land Development (CPLD), and the Town Planning Board (TPB). The CPLD is responsible for considering and endorsing land use plans and major development proposals. The TPB is a statutory body, established under the Town Planning Ordinance, responsible for making town plans, and considering planning applications for individual projects in Hong Kong.

In addition to his policy responsibilities, the Secretary for Planning and Lands oversees the operation of four departments, namely, Buildings Department, Lands Department, Planning Department, and Land Registry. He also oversees part of the work of the Civil Engineering Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and Territory Development Department.

The Secretary for Works is responsible for the delivery of public works projects in a cost-effective manner, and the formulation of policies on slope safety, water supply, flood control and construction site safety. He oversees, and has policy responsibility for, the activities of the seven Works Departments Architectural Services Department, Civil Engineering Department, Drainage Services Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Highways Department, Territory Development Department and Water Supplies Department. He also oversees the operation of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund.

Review of the Town Planning Ordinance

The Town Planning Ordinance was first enacted in 1939. In view of the changing social and economic environment in Hong Kong, there is a need for a new piece of planning legislation.

In 1996, the Administration published the proposals of the new planning legislation in the form of a White Bill for public consultation. Many useful comments were received. After careful consideration of the public views, the Administration finalised the proposals of the Town Planning Bill in 1999.

The Town Planning Bill was gazetted in January 2000 and introduced into the Legislative Council the next month. A Report on Public Consultation summarising previous public comments on the major proposals of the bill, and an information pamphlet on it were also published that January.

A bills committee was formed by the Legislative Council in March that year to consider the bill and the public submissions on it. Public views received generally support the bill's objectives. There were some concerns expressed by the bills committee and stakeholders over a number of fundamental issues such as the ambit, operation and composition of the Town Planning Board, the lack of provision for compensation and the possible delay to the development process.

Owing to there being insufficient time to complete the consideration of the bill, the bills committee was dissolved the following May. The Administration is reviewing the bill before reintroducing it into the Legislative Council.

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 quantity, scale, location and site requirements of various land uses and facilities. It applies to planning studies, and the preparation or revision of town plans. The document is under constant review to take