At its meeting today (November 26), the Land and Development Advisory Committee (LDAC) was briefed by the Development Bureau (DEVB) on major initiatives related to the bureau in "The Chief Executive's 2020 Policy Address".
     
     Members took note of the various initiatives of the DEVB to increase land supply and build a liveable city.

     Members welcomed the Government's efforts in increasing land supply to address the needs of the community for housing, development and various other uses. They recognised that the initiatives implemented over the years were bearing fruit, with encouraging progress particularly in respect of the New Development Areas and the development of brownfields, and that 330 hectares of land has been identified for 316 000 public housing units, satisfying the demand for public housing of about 301 000 units under the 10-year Long Term Housing Strategy (2021-22 to 2030-31). Members looked forward to the timely implementation of these land supply initiatives to benefit the public.

     Members also applauded the Government's commitment to building a quality living environment in an innovative manner through Invigorating Island South. Moreover, they considered that the introduction of "standard rates" for charging premium would encourage redevelopment of industrial buildings and speed up the process, and that the establishment of the Development Projects Facilitation Office would help facilitate development approvals. They also agreed to the need to address the keen demand for welfare facilities for the elderly and the disabled persons through additional gross floor area for welfare purposes in public housing developments.

     While noting the encouraging news, Members urged the Government to closely follow each and every step of the process to minimise the risk of slippage, and keep the public informed of the progress on regular basis. A spokesman for the DEVB said it would take these views fully into account when taking forward the initiatives.

Ends/Thursday, November 26, 2020
Issued at HKT 20:42

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