ENG-2020 — Page 230

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Planning, Land and Infrastructure

Of the roughly 1,500 hectares of brownfield sites in the New Territories, more than half (about) 800 hectares) are covered by NDAs or known development projects. Of the remaining 700 hectares of brownfield sites outside the conservation-related zones, the Planning Department has started to review 450 hectares with higher possible development potential. Eight clusters have been shortlisted so far for public housing development in the 160 hectares closest to major infrastructure.

The Land Sharing Pilot Scheme was launched in May to boost public and private housing supply in the short and medium term. In essence, through the government facilitating the provision or upgrading of infrastructure, the development potential of successful application sites could be unleashed. The successful applicants, in return, are required to hand over part of their land to the government for public housing or Starter Home development.

The government also facilitates development and redevelopment on existing land. The Planning and Lands Branch is undertaking an exercise to consolidate and rationalise standards and definitions adopted by its three departments (Buildings, Lands and Planning) in scrutinising development proposals, to streamline the approval process without prejudicing statutory procedures and technical requirements. In 2020, consolidated standards and definitions on design and disposition clauses under lease were promulgated, and more will be promulgated in other areas as the exercise continues.

Major Land Supply Initiatives in Medium to Long Term

In the medium to long term, the government is taking forward land supply projects including the Kwu Tung North/Fanling North NDA, Tung Chung New Town Extension, Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen NDA and Yuen Long South Development. These involve releasing large tracts of brownfield sites and deserted agricultural land as well as reclamation in environmentally less sensitive waters.

Lantau Tomorrow Vision

In December, the government obtained Legislative Council funding approval for studies related to artificial islands in the Central Waters proposed under the Lantau Tomorrow Vision. The government anticipates that the artificial islands near Kau Yi Chau could provide about 1,000 hectares of new land that could accommodate 150,000 to 260,000 housing units, 70 per cent of which would be public housing. According to the plan, the artificial islands will be developed into a third core business district (CBD3), which can provide some 200,000 jobs and promote Hong Kong's long-term economic growth. The development of the artificial islands could also optimise Hong Kong's transport network and help relieve the traffic congestion in the northwest New Territories by providing road and rail links connecting Hong Kong Island, North Lantau and the coastal areas of Tuen Mun.

In addition, the government plans to carry out studies for reclamation at various sites, including Road P1 (Tai Ho-Sunny Bay Section), Lung Kwu Tan and Sunny Bay.

Cavern Development

The government continues a planning and engineering feasibility study on development of selected caverns. In 2020, construction continued in preparation for the relocation of Sha Tin

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