ENG-2005 — Page 269

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and from a wider regional perspective. The study comprises four stages with extensive public consultation conducted at each stage. The first three stages of the public consultation exercise took place in 2001, 2002 and 2003-04. The study is now at stage four, which involves drawing up a long-term development strategy and formulating response plans for 'what if' scenarios. Again there will be a public consultation.

Sub-regional Development Strategies

These strategies provide a bridge between territorial and local planning. They translate the territorial goals into more specific planning objectives for the five sub- regions of Hong Kong, namely, the Metro Area, Northeast New Territories, Northwest New Territories, Southeast New Territories and Southwest New Territories.

A review of all five sub-regional development strategies, examining the need and feasibility of additional opportunities for new homes, offices, factories, supporting community services as well as the necessary infrastructural facilities, has been completed in line with the Territorial Development Strategy.

The latest round of territorial planning, the 'Hong Kong 2030: Planning Vision and Strategy' study which is still ongoing, has revealed that population growth could be significantly lower than earlier postulations and that social and economic interactions with the Mainland have become more intensified. These changes have prompted the need for a critical review of previously identified new development

areas.

Within the Metro Area, greater planning efforts are now focused on local area improvements, particularly for the older urban core and the harbourfront, with a view to improving the quality of the environment. To this end, there have been a number of planning studies, including the preparation of a Pedestrian Plans for Central District and Causeway Bay and an Area Improvement Plan for Tsim Sha Tsui. Meanwhile, the Government is also working closely with the Harbourfront Enhancement Committee (an advisory body consisting of representatives from a wide range of community interests) to review the Harbour Plan.

District Planning

Development projects are implemented in accordance with statutory departmental district plans. These plans aim to regulate and provide guidance to development in terms of land use, building density and development characteristics, and to ensure that they are in line with the planning objectives of the districts.

Statutory Planning

Under the Town Planning Ordinance, the Town Planning Board is responsible for preparing statutory plans that give a broad framework for land use in specific areas including major roads and other transport systems, and providing statutory planning controls through land use zoning and specification of development parameters. Two types of statutory plans are prepared: outline zoning plans and development permission area plans.