CSD/3/2013 Commission on Strategic Development Land Utilisation And
For Meeting on 30 November 2013 Paper Ref: CSD/3/2013 Commission on Strategic Development Land Utilisation and Land Supply to Support the Economic Development of Hong Kong Purpose This paper briefs the Commission on Strategic Development on the Government’s strategy on and initiatives for land supply and utilisation to support the sustained economic development of Hong Kong. Land Utilisation in Hong Kong 2. Hong Kong has a land mass of about 1 108 sq. km, with about 24% (i.e. about 265 sq. km) being built-up areas currently. There remain about 843 sq. km, or 76% of the total land area, of non-built-up land that scatter across the territory and are mainly woodland, grassland, wetland, barren land, water bodies and agriculture land, etc. They include areas considered unsuitable for development, such as country parks and special areas which occupy about 442 sq. km; “Conservation Areas”, “Coastal Protection Areas” and “Sites of Special Scientific Interest” covering some 70 sq. km; and remote areas, islands and steep slopes. 3. Among the remaining non-built-up areas, the gentler sites are mostly occupied by different uses and facilities, such as agricultural activities, village housing, workshops, port back-up and open storage facilities, etc. When developing such land, clearance, land resumption and compensation will be required, and the local employment and economy will be affected to a certain extent. Comprehensive planning and engineering studies with public engagement are prerequisites for ascertaining the sites’ development feasibility and the supporting infrastructures required. Trend of Economic Land Uses 4. In his 2013 Policy Address, the Chief Executive said that sustained economic growth is prerequisite for us to tackle housing, poverty, ageing - 1 - population, and environmental problems.
[Show full text]