The Monthly Report of Sustainability Assessments (SA) lists the titles, brief descriptions and sustainability implications of new public policies and proposals that went through the SA process and were made known to the public through LegCo briefs or press releases etc during the report period. Internet links to the relevant background documents are also provided.

REPORT PERIOD : October 2011

Subsidiary Legislation for Implementation of Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme (MBIS) and Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme (MWIS) [LegCo Brief]

Following the enactment in June 2011 of the Buildings (Amendment) Ordinance 2011 which introduces the Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme and the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme into the Buildings Ordinance, the Government has made four pieces of subsidiary legislation to stipulate the modus operandi of the two schemes for implementing them.

Sustainability Implications: The implementation of the MBIS and MWIS will help address the long-standing problem of building neglect and improve building safety in Hong Kong. In particular, the two mandatory schemes will ensure that owners take preventive measures to maintain building and window safety and promote a building care culture in society. In the long run, the number of prematurely aging buildings would be reduced, the overall life span of private buildings would be prolonged, and the living and working environment of Hong Kong would be improved. This is in line with the sustainability principle of providing a better living environment and pursuing policies which promote and protect the safety of the people of Hong Kong.

Fisheries Protection (Amendment) Bill 2011 [LegCo Brief]

The Fisheries Protection (Amendment) Bill 2011 is introduced into the Legislative Council on 9 November 2011. The purpose of the Bill is to pursue sustainable fisheries development in Hong Kong through limiting entry of new fishing vessels, designation of fisheries protection areas, restriction of fishing activities with the use or aid of non-fishing vessels and prohibition of fishing activities with the use or aid of non-local fishing vessels.

Sustainability Implications: Sustainability assessment has revealed that the proposed fisheries management measures would help restore the fisheries resources, contribute to marine biodiversity and benefit the fisheries industry in the long run. The proposals are conducive to the sustainability principle of maintaining the biodiversity of Hong Kong.

Draft Pak Lap Development Permission Area Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 14 October 2011, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Pak Lap Development Permission Area (DPA) Plan. The approved DPA Plan is to provide planning guidance and to facilitate development control within the Pak Lap area during the period required for detailed analysis of the land use pattern, study of infrastructural provisions and examination of development options for the formulation of an outline zoning plan. The approved DPA plan was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The DPA Plan provides a stopgap measure to effect development control and planning guidance in the area which would protect the natural and rural landscape and ecologically sensitive areas in Pak Lap from further degradation. This would contribute positively to the environmental quality of Hong Kong. Another sustainability assessment will have to be undertaken when the appropriate zonings are finalized with detailed analysis and studies. However, the differing concerns and views from various stakeholders should be handled with care.

Draft Wang Tau Hom and Tung Tau Outline Zoning Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 14 October 2011, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Wang Tau Hom and Tung Tau Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Wang Tau Hom and Tung Tau area. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The imposition of building height restrictions and other development restrictions will generally help address public concern on massive and out-of-context developments, maintain the local character and facilitate air ventilation in the area. Nonetheless, the differing concerns and views from various stakeholders on imposition of development restrictions to the redevelopment of Nga Tsin Wai Village should be handled with care. Other amendments to reflect the as-built conditions and existing uses have no economic, environmental and sustainability implications.

Draft Hoi Ha Development Permission Area (DPA) Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 14 October 2011, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Hoi Ha Development Permission Area (DPA) Plan. The approved DPA Plan is to provide planning guidance and to facilitate development control within the Hoi Ha area during the period required for detailed analysis of the land use pattern, study of infrastructural provisions and examination of development options for the formulation of an outline zoning plan. The approved DPA Plan was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The DPA Plan provides a stopgap measure to effect development control and planning guidance in the area which would protect the natural and rural landscape and ecologically sensitive areas in Hoi Ha from further degradation. This would contribute positively to the environmental quality of Hong Kong. Another sustainability assessment will have to be undertaken when the appropriate zonings are finalized with detailed analysis and studies. However, the differing concerns and views from various stakeholders should be handled with care.

Draft Tsuen Wan Outline Zoning Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 14 October 2011, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Tsuen Wan Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Tsuen Wan area. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The zoning amendments for comprehensive residential developments will result in reduction of industrial zone. Nevertheless, the impact is not significant as the vacancy rate of the existing industrial buildings in the area is relatively high. The “Comprehensive Development Area” (CDA) zones would increase the supply of flats to meet the community needs.

Draft Chek Lap Kok Outline Zoning Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 21 October 2011, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Chek Lap Kok area. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The sustainability assessment indicates that the amendments would complement the proposed Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and achieve long-term economic benefits in terms of time and freight cost savings for passengers and businesses, and foster a closer economic tie with the western part of Pearl River delta. However, various potential environmental and ecological impacts have been identified in the sustainability assessment. They include impacts on air and water quality, noise, landscape and visual, ecology and fisheries (including Chinese White Dolphins) cultural heritage and waste management. Stringent preventive and mitigation measures should be adopted to minimize the anticipated impacts. The differing concerns and views from various stakeholders should also be handled with care.

REPORT PERIOD : September 2011

Draft Tai O Fringe Development Permission Area Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 23 September 2011, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Tai O Fringe Development Permission Area (DPA) Plan. The approved DPA Plan provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Tai O Fringe area. The approved DPA plan was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The preparation of a DPA Plan provides a statutory framework to achieve the objectives of promoting conservation as well as protecting the natural and rural landscape and ecologically sensitive areas in Tai O Fringe area and will preserve the natural habitats of high ecological value of Tai O Fringe area. It will contribute positively to enhancing the environmental quality of Hong Kong. However, the differing concerns and views from various stakeholders should be handled with care.

Draft Ting Kok Outline Zoning Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 23 September 2011, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Ting Kok Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in Ting Kok area. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The proposed spa resort hotel would add to the variety of recreational facilities in the area, and would enhance Hong Kong’s image as a tourist destination. It is in line with the sustainability principle of assisting Hong Kong to achieve a more competitive economy. Implementation of the new spa resort hotel proposal would inevitably cause some environmental problems, such as waste, water and air quality, tree-felling, sewage and noise impacts. Suitable mitigation measures should be adopted to mitigate the potential impacts. Differing local concerns on the amendments should be handled with care.

Draft Stonecutters Island Outline Zoning Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 23 September 2011, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Stonecutters Island Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment within Stonecutters Island. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The proposed biological treatment plant will help improve the water quality of Victoria Harbour, which is an invaluable asset of Hong Kong. This is in line with the sustainability principle in enhancing environmental quality. Nonetheless, the implementation of the project would cause some environmental problems, such as increase in carbon dioxide emission during the operation stage. Suitable mitigation measures and good site practices should be adopted to minimize the possible environmental impacts.

REPORT PERIOD : August 2011

Mid-term Review on Qualifications Framework Support Schemes (QFSS) [LegCo Panel Paper]

To revise the scope, eligibility criteria and level of assistance of the QFSS.

Sustainability Implications: In line with the sustainability principle of enabling individuals to fulfill their potential by providing universal access to adequate and appropriate educational opportunity, the proposal will facilitate implementation of QF, which will in turn enable more people to pursue quality lifelong education and enhance the quality and competitiveness of our workforce.

Resumption of Private Land for Implementation of Development Scheme TKT/2/002 by the Urban Renewal Authority at Anchor Street/Fuk Tsun Street, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon [Press Release]

The resumption of private land for implementation of development scheme TKT/2/002 by the Urban Renewal Authority at Anchor Street / Fuk Tsun Street, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon under the Lands Resumption Ordinance was gazetted on 12 August 2011.

Sustainability Implications: The development scheme will replace the poor and deteriorating buildings into a new modern building, and hence upgrade the local environment. It would add vibrancy to the local economy and create more job opportunities.　Nevertheless, it will also bring temporary adverse noise and air impact on the surrounding areas during the construction stage. Environmental mitigation measures are needed to minimize the impacts.　The social impact is mixed. While the development might improve the local environment and hence bring positive effect on the neighbourhood in the district, it might cause transitory disruption to the residents, in particular, on some vulnerable groups such as the elderly, as they need to move out or be relocated to other places. Suitable measures should be put in place to minimize any potential transitory disruption. Furthermore, differing concerns and views should be handled with care.

REPORT PERIOD : July 2011

Personal Data (Privacy) (Amendment) Bill 2011 [LegCo Brief]

On 13 July 2011, the Personal Data (Privacy) (Amendment) Bill 2011 (the Bill) was introduced into the Legislative Council. The Bill, inter alia, provides for the regulation of the sale of personal data and the use of personal data in direct marketing; creates a new offence for the disclosure of personal data obtained without consent; and empowers the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data to assist data subjects in bringing proceedings to seek compensation from data users under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The proposals would enhance the protection of personal data privacy and help foster a culture of respect for privacy. It is conducive to the sustainability principle of fostering an ethical and progressive society.

Healthcare Reform Second Stage: Consultation Report and Way Forward [Consultation Report]

The Government published the healthcare reform first stage public consultation document entitled "Your Health Your Life" in March 2008 to launch the two-stage public consultations. The first stage consultation document put forward proposals for comprehensive reform of the healthcare system (including healthcare service reforms and supplementary financing options), with a view to enhancing the sustainability of our healthcare system.

Based on the views and suggestions received during the first stage consultation, the Government has formulated a voluntary and government-regulated Health Protection Scheme which aims to provide affordable and sustainable health insurance protection for the public, thereby enabling them to have access to value-for-money and quality-assured private healthcare services. The consultation document entitled "My Health My Choice" was published in October 2010 to launch the second stage consultation for a period of three months to gauge the views and suggestions of the community.

Sustainability Implications: In general, the proposed initiatives will complement and add value to the public healthcare system, including better enabling the public system to focus on its target groups and fostering closer public-private partnership in private healthcare sector for the benefits of members of the public. However, in the absence of a mandatory supplementary financing scheme, long-term sustainability of the healthcare system remains an issue given the likely continued trend of increasing health expenditure due to demographic changes and rising medical costs.

Land Premium for Granting West Rail Property Development Sites for Housing Development [Press Release]

The proposal involves a revised land disposal arrangement for West Rail property development sites, which aims at expediting the release of the West Rail sites for increasing housing supply in the market.

Sustainability Implications: The proposal would expedite the release of the West Rail (WR) sites to the market and help increase the housing supply in Hong Kong. Together with the modified mechanism, greater flexibility would be offered for all WR sites to comply with the new building code and produce more small and medium-sized "no frill" flats, and for Government to consider making use some of the WR sites to implement the My Home Purchase Plan. It is conducive to the sustainability principle of meeting the needs and aspiration of the society.

Non-in-situ Land Exchange for the Hong Kong Red Cross to Develop its New Headquarters at Hoi Ting Road [Press Release]

The existing site of the Hong Kong Red Cross (HKRC) is required by the Government for the construction of a footbridge. HKRC requires expansion of its headquarters building for the growth in its service scope and activities.

Sustainability Implications: The work of HKRC is conducive to the Government's long-term objective in social cohesion, the development of health services for the community, youth development, and development of special education for the target group. The proposed development of a new headquarters would facilitate HKRC to better serve the community and expand its voluntary services.

Approved Urban Renewal Authority Staunton Street/Wing Lee Street Development Scheme Plan and Approved Sai Ying Pun & Sheung Wan Outline Zoning Plan Amended [Press Release]

On 8 July 2011, the Town Planning Board announced amendments to the approved Urban Renewal Authority Staunton Street/Wing Lee Street Development Scheme Plan (DSP) and Approved Sai Ying Pun & Sheung Wan Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The draft DSP and the draft OZP provide a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Sai Ying Pun and Sheung Wan area. The draft DSP and OZP were exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The proposed amendments are in line with the sustainability principle of protecting and enhancing the vibrancy of historical and architectural assets in Hong Kong. Nonetheless, the proposals may arouse different views from various stakeholders and they should be handled with care. Another sustainability assessment will be conducted at a later stage when the details of the amendments are finalized.

REPORT PERIOD : June 2011

Free Trade Agreement between Hong Kong and t he Member States of the European Free Trade Association [LegCo Brief]

Hong Kong and the Member States of the European Free Trade Associations (EFTA), namely Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, signed a Free Trade Agreement (the Agreement) on 21 June 2011 in Liechtenstein. This Agreement is Hong Kong's first free trade agreement (FTA) with the European economies. It is an important milestone in Hong Kong’s trade relations with the four EFTA States. It will serve as a catalyst to enhance the bilateral trade and investment ties between the two sides.

The Agreement covers trade in services and goods as well as investment, and other trade related issues such as protection of intellectual property.

Sustainability Implications: The Agreement with the EFTA States will bring more and better access to the markets of the EFTA States, create more business opportunities for Hong Kong businessmen and increase trade and investment flows between Hong Kong and the EFTA States. This will in turn bring benefits to other trade related sectors in the Hong Kong economy, including banking, insurance and transportation. All these would help to sustain the economic development of Hong Kong and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international trade, economic and financial hub.

Preservation-cum-development of the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Compound in Central [LegCo Brief]

The Chief Executive-in-Council has approved the land lease modification for Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui's Compound at Lower Albert Road and the in-situ land exchange for another Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui's site at Clementi Road, Mount Butler at nominal premium to facilitate Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui to implement a preservation-cum-development project which will preserve all four historic buildings at its Compound in Central.

Sustainability Implications: All four historic buildings at the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Compound in Central will be preserved. This is in line with the sustainability principle of protecting Hong Kong's built heritage.

Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance (Cap. 53) - Antiquities and Monuments (Declaration of Historical Building) Notice 2011 [LegCo Brief]

The Antiquities Authority declared the fortified structure at No. 55 Ha Pak Nai, Yuen Long, as a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance on 24 June 2011.

Sustainability Implications: The declaration is conducive to the sustainability principle of protecting Hong Kong's historical assets.

Copyright (Amendment) Bill 2011 [LegCo Brief]

The Bill seeks to update our copyright law so as to ensure that (a) it will endure the test of rapid advances in technology such that we need not change the law every time new communication technology emerges, (b) it enables cooperation between copyright owners and online service providers in the fight against online infringement, and (c) it facilitates new modes of uses such as e-learning.

Sustainability Implications: The proposal helps enhance copyright protection in the digital environment, enlists industry cooperation in combating online piracy, and facilitates new modes of content uses and transmissions such as e-learning. This would to some extent contribute to the vibrancy of Hong Kong's economy by facilitating the development of creative industries.

Draft Kwai Chung Outline Zoning Plan approved [Press Release]

On 10 June 2011, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Kwai Chung Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Kwai Chung area. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: Rezoning of the ex-Kwai Chung Police Married Quarters site for public rental housing (PRH) development will increase the supply of public housing to meet the community needs. However, suitable mitigation measures should be adopted to mitigate any adverse traffic and environmental impacts on the future residents and on the surrounding area. The differing concerns and views on the PRH and its related developments from various stakeholders may remain and should be handled with care. The other amendments are technical in nature and would not have sustainability implications.

Draft Cha Kwo Ling, Yau Tong, Lei Yue Mun Outline Zoning Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 17 June 2011, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Cha Kwo Ling, Yau Tong, Lei Yue Mun Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Cha Kwo Ling, Yau Tong, Lei Yue Mun area. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The proposal is envisaged to attract more visitors to Lei Yue Mun through a more direct and convenient sea access, and hence generate economic benefits for the local area and Hong Kong's tourism industry as a whole. The implementation of the project would inevitably cause some adverse impacts on the local environment. The sustainability assessment has identified issues such as disturbance to terrestrial and marine ecology, loss of habitats, and deterioration of water quality to the nearby sensitive receivers. The construction works are in close proximity to the sensitive receivers in Lei Yue Mun Village which could be affected by air quality and noise impacts during the construction period. Suitable mitigation measures should be adopted to minimize the anticipated impacts. The differing concerns and views from various stakeholders should also be handled with care.

REPORT PERIOD : May 2011

South Island Line (East) Funding Arrangement [LegCo Brief]

On 17 May 2011, the Executive Council approved to grant the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) property development rights of the ex-Wong Chuk Hang site as a form of financial assistance to the MTRCL to implement the South Island Line (East) (SIL(E)) project. SIL(E) is a new rail corridor from South to North of Hong Kong Island. It starts from South Horizons on Ap Lei Chau to Admiralty via Lei Tung, Wong Chuk Hang and Ocean Park. Construction of the SIL(E) will complete by 2015.

Sustainability Implications: The proposed SIL(E) should help improve mobility and air quality in the long term through enabling more commuters to switch from road to rail transport. The implementation of the project would inevitably cause some adverse impacts on the environment, including noise during construction and operation, air pollution from works sites and ventilation shafts, loss of open space, loss of trees and waste generated from tunnel excavation. Proper measures and temporary traffic arrangement will be implemented to reduce the adverse impact as far as possible. The differing concerns and views of the public, in particular those from various stakeholders, will be handled with care.

Kwun Tong Line Extension Funding Arrangement [LegCo Brief]

On 17 May 2011, the Executive Council approved to grant the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) property development rights of the ex-Valley Road Estate Phase 1 site (the Site) as a form of financial assistance to the MTRCL to implement the Kwun Tong Line Extension (KTE) project. KTE is an extension of the existing MTR Kwun Tong Line from Yau Ma Tei Station to Whampoa, with two new stations at Ho Man Tin and Whampoa. Construction of the KTE will complete by 2015.

Sustainability Implications: The proposed KTE should help improve mobility and air quality in the long term through enabling more commuters to switch from road to rail transport. The implementation of the project would inevitably cause some adverse impacts on the environment, including noise during construction and operation, air pollution from works sites and ventilation shafts, loss of open space, loss of trees and waste generated from tunnel excavation. Proper measures and temporary traffic arrangement will be implemented to reduce the adverse impact as far as possible. The differing concerns and views of the public, in particular those from various stakeholders, will be handled with care.

Authorization for Shatin to Central Link protection works at Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter [Press Release]

The dredging and temporary reclamation works for the Shatin to Central Link (SCL) protection works at Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter were authorized by the Chief Executive in Council on 12 April 2011. The proposed works are scheduled to begin at end of 2011 for completion by early 2014. The authorization notice together with its related plan are available for public inspection at Lands Department Survey and Mapping Office and Eastern District Office, Public Enquiry Service Centre.

Sustainability Implications: The proposed SCL should enable more commuters to switch from road transport to railway, and help improve mobility and air quality in the long term. The implementation of the railway links would contribute positively to the sustainable development of Hong Kong by providing a reliable and efficient public transport system. The implementation of the SCL project would inevitably cause some adverse impacts on the environment, including noise during construction and operation, air pollution from works sites and ventilation shafts, loss of open space, loss of trees and waste generated from tunnel excavation. Proper measures and temporary traffic arrangement will be implemented to reduce the adverse impact as far as possible. The differing concerns and views from various stakeholders should be handled with care.

Draft Tsim Sha Tsui Outline Zoning Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 6 May 2011, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Tsim Sha Tsui Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Tsim Sha Tsui area. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The imposition of building heights and non-building area restrictions will generally help address public concern on massive and out-of-context developments, maintain the local character and facilitate air ventilation in the Area. Nonetheless, the differing concerns and views on the development restrictions from various stakeholders may remain and should be handled with care. Other amendments are technical in nature and will not have significant sustainability implications.

Draft Aberdeen & Ap Lei Chau Outline Zoning Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 20 May 2011, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Aberdeen & Ap Lei Chau Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Aberdeen & Ap Lei Chau area. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The stipulation of building height restrictions, non-building area and setback requirements would generally help address public concern on massive and out-of-context developments, and facilitate air ventilation and protection of historical buildings in the Area. This is generally in line with the sustainability principles in protecting historical and architectural assets and enhancing environmental quality in Hong Kong, leading to an overall improvement in Hong Kong’s urban living space. The rezoning of “Commercial/Residential” sites to “R(A)” zone and other amendments would not have sustainability implications. Nonetheless, the differing views on the amendments should be handled with care.

Sustainable Development Division