Govt proposes dedicated law to fast-track Northern Metropolis development
發佈日期: 2026-03-17 20:07
TVB News
The Development Bureau has submitted a paper to the Legislative Council, proposing dedicated legislation for the Northern Metropolis.
It is aimed at streamlining planning procedures and fast-tracking approval timelines.
The proposed dedicated legislation covers six "specified policy areas" including "streamlining town planning procedures."
For non-conservation zones, amendments to zoning plans could be shortened from the current nine months to within two months.
The proposal would also allow temporary land use for up to seven years -- longer than the current five-year limit in urban areas to give businesses greater confidence to invest.
The measures will also relax the adoption of innovative construction technologies.
With approval from the Director of Buildings, new building methods can be used without going through multiple departmental approval.
The government also proposes simplifying the process for construction noise permits in designated areas or projects.
There will also be measures to facilitate cross-boundary flow of personnel for designated areas or transport infrastructure projects within the Northern Metropolis as well as the establishment of statutory corporations for designated zones.
The government says the "white list" of cross-boundary personnel is still under formulation but is expected to include people who travel frequently across the border, such as park-based workers and possibly their children who commute for schooling.
The government believes the proposed dedicated legislation will help accelerate the development in the Northern Metropolis.
A public consultation will begin on March 24th.
Authorities target to introduce the bill to LegCo for first reading by mid-year, and aims for passage within 2026.
