Measures to streamline Northern Metropolis land-use procedures unveiled

Hong Kong authorities have proposed designated laws to streamline procedures for changing land use in the Northern Metropolis

megaproject, cutting the process from typically nine months to just two.

Unveiled by the Development Bureau on Tuesday, the proposed designated legislation comprises six main subsidiary laws designed to remove bottlenecks in the massive scheme near the border with mainland China.

They include the establishment of statutory firms and measures to speed up land resumption payments and the adoption of new building technologies.

The megaproject, first announced in 2021, aims to turn 30,000 hectares (74,132 acres) of land into an engine for economic growth and a housing hub. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu

has vowed to expedite its development, aligning with the nation’s recently unveiled 15th five-year plan

Currently, developers are required to submit an application to the Town Planning Board, attend meetings and undergo consultations to change the land use specified in an outline zoning plan. The process usually takes around nine months.