N Metropolis on fast track as dedicated bill passes
The Legislative Council passed a bill on Thursday dedicated to accelerating Northern Metropolis development by further easing barriers on planning and land procedures. The bill was introduced to lawmakers for its first reading in July. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn said the passage of the bill – which she said is crucial to the mega project as well as the city’s future development –…
On Thursday, the Legislative Council passed a bill aimed at speeding up the development of Northern Metropolis by easing planning and land procedures. Introduced for its first reading in July, the bill was approved ahead of schedule by 1.5 months. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn emphasized that the passage of the bill, which she deemed essential for the mega project and the city's future development, came earlier than expected.
Linn highlighted the Northern Metropolis as a source of vast opportunities for Hong Kong, while acknowledging the many challenges it presents. She stated that instead of drafting a comprehensive new legislation to address all possible scenarios, a pragmatic approach was necessary to remain enterprising and realistic. The government will introduce new legislation when needed as the mega project progresses through different stages, and the recently-passed bill will be amended to accommodate future development needs.
Authorities aim to submit subsidiary legislation by January, enabling implementation of facilitation measures in the first quarter of the following year. This legislation marks the city's first dedicated to a single area.
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