THE overall planning principle for Tin Shui Wai is essentially similar to those for all Hongkong's other New Towns - self-sufficiency.
The objective was, and remains, the creation of a complete town incorporating all the necessary elements of community, commercial, recreational and social facilities.
The Government's strategic planning directives require the concept of ''balanced development'' to stay centre-stage at all times.
Balance is defined as having a good housing mix, an adequate infrastructure, an efficient transportation system, reliable utility services and satisfactory provision of jobs, educational, shopping, medical, security, social, welfare and recreational facilities.
Ensuring a good quality of life in both environmental and design terms is demonstrably better than in older-style urban areas.
In the case of Tin Shui Wai, its creation, location and unique topography meant additional factors came into play.