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The Lands Department today (June 16) introduces with immediate effect a simplified procedure to streamline the processing of applications for waivers from owners of existing industrial premises.

A spokesman for the Department said the main objective of the simplified procedure is to facilitate the utilization of otherwise idle industrial premises.

Details of the simplified procedure are contained in a Practice Note issued today by the Department.

Under the new procedure, waiver fees at standard rates will be charged in applicable cases and the waiver to be issued will make reference to a Schedule of Permitted Uses.

"Initially, we aim to process and issue such waivers not later than two months from the date of receipt of a valid application," the spokesman said.

"Another benefit of the new procedure is that owners can be certain about the amount of waiver fees that they are required to pay if their applications are approved," he added. "The amount of waiver fees is one of the main factors that owners take into account in deciding whether to put their industrial premises to other uses."

The standard rates will not be applicable to premises located on basement, ground or podium floors. Waiver fees for premises in these locations will be subject to individual assessment.

The waiver letters to be issued by the Department will only cover the user aspect of the land leases governing the industrial premises concerned.

"Owners should separately approach other concerned departments and authorities, including the Town Planning Board, Fire Services Department and the Building Authority for obtaining any other necessary approvals regarding the proposed change of use of their existing premises", the spokesman stressed.

The Practice Note can be downloaded from the Lands Department's website (http://www.info.gov.hk/landsd/index.htm).

End/Monday, June 16, 2003

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