ENG-2007 — Page 263

Infrastructure Development and Heritage Conservation ■ 215

Lantau Development

In late 2004, the Lantau Development Task Force prepared a concept plan for Lantau to provide an overall planning framework to ensure a balanced and coordinated approach for the future development of Lantau. The overall planning approach is to confine major economic infrastructure and urban development to North Lantau, while protecting the other areas of scenic and high ecological value on Lantau for nature conservation and environmentally sustainable recreational and visitor uses. Based on public comments and taking into account the latest progress and results of relevant studies and projects, the task force updated the concept plan and released a revised concept plan in May 2007. The revised plan serves as the blueprint for taking forward individual development proposals on the island, including improvement works for Mui Wo and Tai O. The respective feasibility studies for these commenced in mid-2007.

Environmental and Area Improvement

The Planning Department undertook an ongoing feasibility study on urban climatic map and standards for wind environment, and air ventilation assessment studies for various proposals. Meanwhile, pedestrian plans for Causeway Bay, Kwun Tong and Tai Po Market, and an area improvement plan for Tsim Sha Tsui have been completed. The pedestrian plan for Central District was at its final stage of completion in 2007. The area improvement plan for shopping areas in Mongkok and a planning and engineering review of potential housing sites in Tuen Mun East were in progress.

Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines

The Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines is a government manual of criteria for determining the scale, location and site requirements of various land uses and facilities applicable to planning studies, town plans and development control. It is constantly under review to take account of changes in government policies, demographic characteristics and social and economic trends. During the year, the manual's introductory chapter and the planning standards for secondary schools, swimming pools and footpath widths were amended. The guidelines on pedestrian and environmental planning were also revised.

Land Supply

The Development Bureau continues the policy of providing adequate land to meet the development needs of the community and of striking a balance between development and providing a quality living environment. In formulating the 2008-09 Application List, the bureau has assessed the particulars of each site carefully and reviewed the development parameters, lowered the development bulk as appropriate and included relevant development restrictions. Where required, air ventilation assessment will be conducted, and appropriate development restrictions will be imposed in the conditions of sale. The bureau will review the approved schemes of the property development projects at Nam Cheong and Yuen Long stations along the West Rail to lower their development density where justified.