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In response to media reports relating to Small House development in the New Territories, the Planning Department today (September 5) clarified that the proposal was only a measure to streamline the existing application procedure of the Town Planning Board for such development.
It did not involve expansion of the Village Type Development ("V") zone boundary nor involve any change to the Small House policy.
A spokesman for the Planning Department said the board had a set of assessment criteria for considering planning applications for Small House development. Favourable consideration would be given to proposed Small Houses with only a minor portion -less than 50% of the house footprint - falling outside the "V" zone boundary.
"Since the adoption of the criteria in 2000, almost all such applications were approved by the board, as the impact to other zones was insignificant. In view of the high approval rate, there is scope for streamlining the procedure by exempting them from planning application.
"The proposed exemption from planning application, however, will not apply to sites encroaching on conservation-related zones, Country Park, Green Belt zone if any tree felling is involved, Road zone and water gathering grounds, to ensure proper planning control," the spokesman said.
The proposed streamlined procedure will be considered by the board on Friday (September 7).
Ends/Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:59
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