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The Town Planning Board today (October 16) announced amendments to the draft Tuen Mun Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).
The amendments mainly involve the imposition of plot ratio/gross floor area (GFA) and/or building height restrictions. The main objective of imposing plot ratio/GFA and building height restrictions is to meet public aspirations for a better living environment as well as clearer planning control on the development intensity and building height profile of Tuen Mun New Town. Different height bands are proposed to descend progressively from the inland area to the waterfront and towards the Tuen Mun East Area to respect the distinct urban form and natural setting, accentuating a high-rise town centre and depicting low to medium-rise residential suburbs at the outskirts. The development intensity of existing buildings and development restrictions stipulated in the land leases are generally maintained while that of some Government sale sites in Tuen Mun East Area is reduced in keeping with the intention to foster a tranquil, low-population residential area there.
The opportunity is also taken to amend the OZP to tally with the current planning practice and development proposals, and reflect existing uses. For example, in order to present more clearly the planning intentions, all the "Commercial/Residential" ("C/R") zones at various sites are rezoned to appropriate zonings to reflect the existing uses for residential, Government, institution or community, commercial, and open space uses etc. The "C/R" zone at Sam Shing Wan is rezoned to "Undetermined" because the site requires further study. To facilitate air circulation and to allow more space for landscaping, non-building areas are designated along section of Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road, beside Tuen Mun River Channel and within the densely developed parts of the industrial area. There are also technical zoning boundaries adjustments to tally with the existing developments.
The draft Tuen Mun OZP No. S/TM/26, incorporating the amendments, is now available for public inspection during normal office hours at the Secretariat of the Board, the Planning Enquiry Counters in North Point and Sha Tin, the Tuen Mun and Yuen Long District Planning Office, the Tuen Mun District Office and the Tuen Mun Rural Committee.
Any person can make representation in respect of the amendments in writing to the Secretary of the Board on or before December 16. Representations made to the Board will be available for public inspection.
Copies of the draft Tuen Mun OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centres in North Point and Yau Ma Tei. The electronic version of the plan can be viewed at the Board's website at (www.info.gov.hk/tpb/).
Ends/Friday, October 16, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:00
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