Town planning procedures to include 22 sites

Government says doing so will create transparency.

Secretary for Development Paul Chan said 22 sites included in the Land Sale Programme for 2013-14 will need to go through the town planning procedures. He said this will create transparency, allowing interested developers to plan and research in advance.

The government will put these sites up for sale either later this year or early 2014 after consulting the local community, engaging in town planning procedures and rezoning.

He said a few sites in Tseung Kwan O in last year’s programme had their plot ratio increased after review, and after the Town Planning Board’s approval the sites were announced for sale.

Chan said the sites had not been withdrawn from the programme, according to standard practice.

The board is composed of non-official members, and procedures are in accordance with legal requirements. Members may express different views during the process. Chan said the board will make an independent decision after considering various opinions.