Public consulted on every draft plan
I refer to Kevin Sinclair's column headlined 'Pretence of transparent government is dubious and devious' (South China Morning Post, May 2) and would like to clarify some points relating to the operation of the Town Planning Board.
Being a statutory body established under the Town Planning Ordinance, the board has the statutory duty to prepare and approve land-use plans for Hong Kong to promote the health, safety, convenience and general welfare of the community.
The ordinance entitles members of the public to participate in the plan-making process. The public are consulted on every draft plan, including any amendment to the plan, and they can make comments on and lodge objections with the board to draft plans. An objector or his authorised representative can attend an objection hearing to explain the objection to the board.
The hearing of objections to the draft Tai Long Wan Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) on April 27 was arranged in accordance with objection-hearing procedures under the ordinance. Objectors were invited to attend the objection-hearing session and express their views to the board. Mr Sinclair's request to attend was turned down because he had not lodged any objection to the OZP within the plan-exhibition period and so was not an 'objector' as defined by the ordinance.
His request for the names of the objectors attending the hearing was also refused. The board cannot release the particulars of objectors. This is personal data and cannot be disclosed, under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. Nevertheless, Mr Sinclair's views on the OZP were conveyed to the board at the April 27 objection hearing.
The general issue of more openness in the plan-making process is being addressed in the context of the Town Planning Bill. Until any new legislation is enacted, the board must act within the provisions of the existing ordinance.
P. C. CHAN
Secretary
Town Planning Board
