At the meeting today (20 March), the Land and Building Advisory Committee (LBAC) was briefed on the 2008-2009 Application List (AL) and Government's planning and land measures to facilitate the development of more hotels in Hong Kong.
When being briefed on the 2008-09 AL, Members noted the relevant considerations in compiling the list, in particular the adoption of measures to address the community's concerns about excessive building bulk. The Government has assessed every site included in the 2008-09 AL, reviewed their development parameters with a view to lowering the development bulk as appropriate and included relevant development restrictions. Members were generally of the view that these measures would help address the community's rising concerns over development density and promote a quality living environment for the people of Hong Kong.
Also, in order to facilitate hotel development, the Government has introduced on a pilot basis 10 "hotel only" sites in the 2008-09 AL. The reserve price of the "hotel only" site would be assessed on the basis of the development for hotel purposes as specified in the Conditions of Sale. The 10 "hotel only" sites are located in different parts of Hong Kong and can be developed into various types of hotels including resort hotels and business hotels etc. Almost all Members welcomed these planning and land measures to facilitate hotel development.
Members also noted that the Lands Department would implement a pilot scheme to expedite the processing of lease modification and land exchange applications, by setting up a dedicated team in the District Lands Office/Hong Kong West & South with effect from 1 April 2008.
Ends/Thursday, March 20, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:09
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