The government proposes to amend six laws to streamline and shorten the legal procedures for land development, including handling land resumption objections that can be synchronized with the statutory planning procedures. The owners of some property rights proposed that the TPB has the right to limit the speaking time of the attendees, etc.
Secretary for Development Ning Hanhao mentioned in a radio program today (10th) that some development procedures in the past were repeated. For example, the same objector could raise the same opinion in different procedures. He hoped that the time could be shortened and integrated through simultaneous processing.
She emphasized that the proposal should be balanced this time. In addition to "speeding up and improving efficiency", public participation should also be placed in an appropriate position.
Public complaints reduced to a round of Ning: good intentions for procedural justice
When asked about the simultaneous processing of land resumption compensation and planning procedures by the government, the land resumption compensation can be paid first after the approval of the trade union, without waiting for the approval of the Legislative Council. Will this weaken the supervision function of the Legislative Council? Opposition to individual development projects can be raised at an earlier stage such as panel committees, and will not wait until the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approves project funding before objecting.
The government suggested that the public appeal process in the Town Planning Commission be reduced from the original three rounds to one round. Ning Hanhao believes that the opportunities for the public to express their opinions will not be greatly narrowed. It is mentioned that citizens' opinions have basically been reflected in the first round of public representations.
Ning Hanhao emphasized that he will handle it carefully. The authorities are "very keen" on procedural justice. Many aspects of the current proposal involve public participation, and they will inform land owners, residents, and commercial tenants in advance when rezoning the city plan. Programs to influence people so they can provide early input.
12.19 Explain the details of the reclamation of Kau Yi Chau and the exact cost cannot be estimated for the time being
Ning Hanhao mentioned that on the 19th of this month, the Development Affairs Committee of the Legislative Council will explain the details of the reclamation of the Kau Yi Chau artificial island, including the land use within the reclamation area, and the alignment of railways and arterial roads. Public opinions will still be heard in the future.
She said that the cost-effectiveness of the project will be explained at that time, but because many reclamation-related studies and environmental assessment procedures are still in progress, and the application for funding will not be submitted to the Legislative Council until 2025, it is still too early to estimate the exact cost of the project.
Ning Hanhao said that the streamlined procedures will not be reduced if the funds are not allocated first Do a good job of explaining the streamlining of the development process next year through the Town Planning Commission and reduce it to one round of appeals to the government: Opinions are largely the same Simplified EIA for golf courses and other environmentally controversial projects｜Environmental group approval only relaxes but does not strengthen checks