Northern Capital | Ning Hanhaо Hopes Exclusive Legislation Retains Flexibility, Strives for Passage Within This Year

The government will consult the public on the proposed legislation for the Northern Metropolitan Area for about two months starting today. Development Bureau Director Norman Chan attended a Legislative Council committee and stated that the consultation results will be reported to the Legislative Council around June. The draft legislation and the first batch of subsidiary laws will be submitted to the Legislative Council mid-year, aiming for approval within this year.

Subsidiary Laws Established in Six Major Areas for Phased Implementation

Norman Chan pointed out that the legislation will set out specific details through primary legislation. Since the development of the Northern Metropolis spans nearly 20 years, the laws are designed to be flexible. Subsidiary laws will be established based on six designated areas, and once mature, they will be implemented. The process will follow a “draft first, review later” approach, with the Legislative Council completing review within a maximum of 49 days. He emphasized that subsidiary laws will only take effect after review, ensuring confidence for society and the legislature.

Norman Chan stated that the Northern Metropolis will be Hong Kong’s future economic engine. With 3,000 hectares of new land, the overall plan for the Northern Metropolis has been roughly outlined in recent years. It is expected that in the next five years, large-scale projects will commence, aiming to develop 900 hectares of brownfield land. The special legislation will facilitate land planning and administrative arrangements, easing restrictions, and adjusting planning uses to meet business needs. Measures will also be taken to accelerate projects and provide convenience for enterprises.

Urban Planning Council Has Conservation Area List, No Backing Out

Regarding the proposed legislation, based on the “industry-led” development model of the Northern Metropolis, which currently has no large-scale residential population, it is suggested to simplify the application process for noise permits. Norman Chan indicated that once the industrial parks are developed and residents move in nearby, it will be reviewed whether relevant measures have fulfilled their historical purpose. He emphasized that careful planning will be undertaken when drafting the legislation.

For simplifying planning application procedures within the Northern Metropolis for “non-conservation zones,” Norman Chan pointed out that this approach only applies to “non-conservation zones” within the area. The Urban Planning Council maintains a list of conservation zones, which he described as “not to be bypassed.” He stressed that all legally designated land with conservation purposes is not subject to this simplified process.