Following is a question by the Hon Abraham Shek and a written reply by the Secretary for Planning and Lands, Mr John C Tsang, in the Legislative Council today (May 8):
Question:
Regarding the applications for change of land use, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the total number of approved planning applications for conversion of industrial land to other uses in 2000 to 2001, as well as the sizes and locations of the sites concerned;
(b) whether, in approving the applications for change of land use, it has considered its impact on the overall plan for land sales by auction and the future housing supply; if so, of the results of its consideration; if not, the reasons for that; and
(c) whether, in the interest of the public, it will suggest to the applicant to consider co-operating with the Urban Renewal Authority to develop the land concerned; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) In 2000 and 2001, the Town Planning Board approved a total of 39 planning applications under section 16 of the Town Planning Ordinance for conversion of 9.3 hectares of existing industrial land mainly to commercial use and petrol filling and liquefied petroleum gas stations in Chai Wan, Kowloon Bay, San Po Kong, Cheung Sha Wan, Kwai Chung, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin, Fanling and Yuen Long.
(b) None of the approved planning applications was for the conversion of industrial land to residential use. There is no impact on the overall plan for land sales by auction or the future housing supply.
(c) In case an application for conversion of industrial land to other uses involves land that falls within the announced project areas of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), the Administration will encourage the concerned applicant and the URA to discuss and consider the possibility of a joint development in order to achieve a better planning for the area for the benefit of the community.
End/Wednesday, May 8, 2002
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