The Town Planning (Amendment) Bill 2003 was passed by the Legislative Council today (July 7).
"Introduced in May 2003, the Amendment Bill aims at enhancing the transparency of the planning system, streamlining the town planning process and strengthening enforcement control against unauthorized developments in the rural areas," a spokesman for the Housing, Planning and Lands Bureau said.
One of the key features of the amendments is to enhance public participation in the plan-making process. Under the revised system, the publication periods for both new and amendment plans are standardized to two months for the public to make representations. The Town Planning Board (TPB) will publish the representations for public comments, followed by a hearing of the representations and comments. If there are further representations on the amendments proposed after the first hearing, the Board will conduct a second hearing before firming up the amendments.
To enhance the transparency of the planning approval system, an applicant for amendment of plan or for planning permission will be required to obtain consent of or notify the land owner of the application site. Upon receipt of an application, the Board will make available the application for public comments.
"We will also enhance the transparency of operation of the TPB by opening up its meetings as required under the law," the spokesman said.
"Under the new system, certain minor amendments to planning permission are exempted from further application. This arrangement will help streamline the planning approval process."
The Amendment Bill also seeks to address deficiencies in respect of enforcement control against unauthorized developments in the New Territories.
It is envisaged that the Amendment Ordinance will come into operation in late 2004 after further consultation with the stakeholders regarding the implementation details and guidelines on various new procedures.
"The passage of the Amendment Bill is a major step forward in achieving a more open and transparent, and at the same time more efficient and effective planning system," the spokesman added.
Ends/Wednesday, July 7, 2004
NNNN