ENG-2016 — Page 231

Chapter 13

Planning, Land and Infrastructure

The government makes timely investment in infrastructure and capital works to meet the demands of public need, striking a pragmatic balance among the various objectives of development, providing a better living environment, and conserving heritage through effective land use, urban renewal and greening.

Organisational Framework

The Development Bureau consists of two policy branches: the Planning and Lands Branch and the Works Branch.

The Planning and Lands Branch is responsible for policies governing planning, development, land use and supply, urban renewal, building safety and land registration. Its policy objectives are to facilitate Hong Kong's continual development through effective planning and use of land, a steady and sufficient supply of land, a facilitative building plan approval system, efficient registration of land, promotion and regulation of building safety and timely maintenance, and expedition of urban renewal.

The Works Branch is responsible for formulating public works policies and coordinating and monitoring the implementation of public works projects. It also takes charge of policy matters. concerning the increase of land supply through reclamation outside Victoria Harbour and rock cavern development, the development of a new core business district (CBD) in Kowloon East, greening and tree management, water supply, slope safety, lift and escalator safety, flood prevention, promotion of professional services, construction manpower resources, workers' registration as well as heritage conservation.

The Development Bureau oversees the departments of Architectural Services, Buildings, Civil Engineering and Development, Drainage Services, Electrical and Mechanical Services, Lands, Planning, and Water Supplies, as well as the Land Registry, which helps coordinate and resolve inter-departmental issues on infrastructure development at an early stage. The bureau also provides policy guidance to government departments on greening, landscape and tree management, and is responsible for the government's heritage conservation work and striking a balance between development and conservation. The government's heritage conservation

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