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Following is a question by the Hon Lau Wong-fat and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands, Mr Michael Suen, in the Legislative Council today (January 17):
Question:
As agriculture in the New Territories falls into decline, abandoned agricultural land has been converted to other uses without planning or co-ordination. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the respective total areas of lands in each of the District Council districts in the New Territories which are currently zoned for "agricultural use" in the relevant Outline Zoning Plans, and their percentage in the total areas of the districts concerned;
(b) whether it has any plans to rezone such agricultural land and enhance its usability for the purpose of regulating land uses; if so, of the specific details of the plan; if not, the reasons for that; and
(c) whether it has considered rezoning such agricultural land as recreation area or rural development area, and the specific considerations involved?
Reply:
Madam President,
The Government has been attaching importance to the development in the New Territories and keeping a close watch on the changes in the rural areas. Although agricultural production is not a major economic activity in Hong Kong, it still supplies considerable quality fresh food as well as flowers for local consumption. Agricultural land in the New Territories should therefore not be swept away completely. We will review and revise rural land planning in the New Territories from time to time for optimal use having regard to the development and needs in Hong Kong.
My reply to the three parts of the question is as follows:
(a) The respective areas of land in each of the nine District Council districts in the New Territories which are zoned "Agriculture" in the relevant Outline Zoning Plans (OZP) and their percentage in the land areas of such districts are shown in Annex.
(b) The Government reviews various land uses from time to time for appropriate planning. The last study on systematic review of the rural land uses was completed in 2001. One of the recommendations made was the introduction of a new zoning "Other Specified Uses (Rural Use)" to enhance the flexibility of the use of agricultural land. Apart from cultivation, agricultural land can also be developed into rural and recreational uses that are compatible with the rural landscape. This recommendation was later endorsed by the Town Planning Board (TPB), and such "Notes" were incorporated into the relevant OZPs. Some agricultural land was also subsequently rezoned to other uses like "Recreation", "Comprehensive Development Area" and "Government, Institution or Community", etc in accordance with the guidelines of the TPB.
(c) In line with the normal land planning practice, the Administration, when considering amending the "Agriculture" zone, has to examine in detail whether the proposed use is compatible with its neighbouring areas, and what impact the proposed development intensity will have on the landscape and the environment. Whether or not there is an adequate provision of transport, drainage and other supporting infrastructure is also an important consideration.
Ends/Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:32
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