ENG-2009 — Page 277

Infrastructure Development and Heritage Conservation 217

and facilities applicable to planning studies, town plans and development control. It is reviewed constantly to take into account changes in government policies, demographic characteristics, and social and economic trends. During the year, the planning standards and guidelines for retail facilities, social welfare facilities and vehicle parking areas in subsidised housing development were revised.

Land Supply

The Development Bureau continues to provide adequate land to meet the community's development needs while striking a balance between development and the need to maintain a quality living environment.

To facilitate and encourage hotel development to support Hong Kong's tourism industry, the bureau has extended the pilot measures for 'hotel use only' sites for another year. Nine such sites were included in the 2009-10 Application List.

In accordance with the pledge made by the Chief Executive in his 2007-08 Policy Address, the bureau has reviewed the development parameters of every site. included in the 2009-10 Application List. Appropriate development parameters are specified in the Conditions of Sale, such as building height limits and maximum gross floor areas or plot ratios. Where required, air ventilation assessment has been conducted, with appropriate development restrictions imposed in the Conditions of Sale.

The bureau has finalised the revised plan for the property development project at the West Rail's Nam Cheong Station. As for the property development projects at the West Rail's Yuen Long Station, the bureau has consulted the district's residents and their District Council on the revised plan.

Land Acquisition

Acquisition of private land for public use may be done through negotiations or resumption. The relevant ordinances provide for compensation to be paid for the property's value at the date of acquisition and for the loss of business. If agreement cannot be reached on the amount of compensation, either party may go to the Lands Tribunal for adjudication. As alternatives to statutory compensation, there are simplified assessment procedures for early release of payment to facilitate land clearance. Some 78 517 square metres of private land, comprising about 6 465 square metres of building land and 72 052 square metres of agricultural land, were acquired in 2009. Compensation amounting to $415.2 million was paid during the year.

The Lands Department was also involved in the resumption of land for urban renewal projects. During the year, compensation totalling $158.6 million was paid to owners of 74 resumed properties and occupiers affected by 23 urban renewal projects. Some 400 square metres of building land for railway projects were resumed in 2009. By the year's end, compensation amounting to $5.7 million had been paid for land resumed for the West Rail and $33.3 million for the East Rail Extension.