Land and Development Advisory Committee briefed on Budget initiatives relating to land supply

The Land and Development Advisory Committee (LDAC) was briefed on the new land supply arrangements announced in the 2010-11 Budget at its fourth meeting today (March 19).

LDAC welcomed Government's measures to fine-tune the land supply arrangements. They considered the introduction of Government-initiated land sale in a limited way, whilst upholding the market-driven Application List (AL) system, beneficial to ensuring a healthy and stable development of the property market. They also noted that the supply of mass market flats would be increased through imposing specific flat number and flat size restrictions in the Conditions of Sale for a site in Yuen Long. 

Members were also briefed on the preparatory work done by the Administration as a whole to implement the policy measures to optimise the use of industrial buildings. They noted that the "Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) (Specification of Lower Percentage) Notice" would come into operation on April 1. The Development Bureau had obtained the transport authority's agreement to exercise flexibility on the requirement on the provision of car parking spaces and loading/unloading facilities in converted industrial buildings. Members also noted that the Lands Department would set up a dedicated team to centrally process applications under the policy measures, and the Department had issued a Practice Note setting out the application details. Other relevant departments, including the Buildings Department and the Planning Department, have also introduced measures to ensure a smooth implementation of the measure to encourage wholesale conversion of industrial buildings.  

LDAC considered a private sector proposal by the Baroque on Lamma Limited to pursue a comprehensive marina, hotel and residential development at Tung O, Lamma Island. Members noted that the project might help enhance Hong Kong's role as an international event capital and promote water sports, but raised concern over the planning and land administration issues identified, as well as the project's environmental and ecological impacts on the proposed development area.

LDAC also gave their support to the proposed in-situ redevelopment of the North Point district headquarters of Scout Association of Hong Kong. Members noted that this proposed project would provide better training facilities to support youth development and create job opportunities.

Ends/Friday, March 19, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:29

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