Review of the Town Planning Ordinance

The Town Planning Ordinance was first enacted in 1939 and has
remained largely in its original form. In view of the increasing complexity
of the social, economic and political environment in Hong Kong, the
Administration found it necessary to review the requirements of the
community and to introduce the required changes to the Ordinance to
meet contemporary and anticipated future needs.

In 1991, a consultative document on comprehensive review of the Town
Planning Ordinance was published for public comment. A special
committee was also set up concurrently to consider the complex and
contentious issues of compensation and betterment. Public comments
received on the consultative document and the recommendations of the
special committee provided important inputs in the formulation of
legislative proposals to improve the planning system.

In view of the quantity and complex nature of the proposals involved, the
administration decided to prepare a new piece of planning legislation with
a view to replacing the existing one. The Town Planning Bill was then
published in July 1996 in the form of a white bill for public consultation
till the end of 1996. The comments received were diverse and on some
issues conflicting. The administration has therefore considered it prudent
to introduce interim measures, pending further study on the various issues
relating to the comprehensive overhaul of the ordinance, to shorten the
existing statutory planning procedures which is one of the proposed
changes that received widespread support during the consultation. An
Amendment Bill imposing a statutory nine-month period within which
objections should be considered will be introduced into the legislature in
early 1998.

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