People-oriented approach promised on lands resumption

The government is taking a "people-oriented approach" to support brownfield operators affected by its land resumption work as the city ramps up development projects to boost land supply, said Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho in a recent blog post.

The Development Bureau, along with other departments, has adopted a comprehensive strategy to provide assistance and communication to those impacted. "The DB has enhanced different placement and compensation arrangements for those affected under different categories," Linn said.

She also quoted Assistant Secretary for Development Henry Tse Sin-hang, as saying among its support measures, the DB has optimized the rehousing and ex-gratia allowance for squatters.

Tse has noted that "the compensation system has been improved since 2022 for landowners and business operators." The ex-gratia zonal compensation system for land resumption in the New Territories has been streamlined from a four-tier to a two-tier structure, allowing property owners to receive higher compensation. The ex-gratia allowance for open-air or outdoor businesses has also been relaxed, providing more appropriate compensation for larger-scale operators. Arable and livestock farmers have seen an increase in their ex-gratia compensation as well.

Also, the Lands Department has set up a community liaison team to provide land search planning, consultation services, and counseling, especially for the elderly.

To accommodate brownfield operators affected by the developments, the government aims to develop multi-story modern industrial buildings as part of its efforts to promote industrial growth, though not all brownfield operations may be housed in these new facilities, Linn said.

The bureau has implemented a policy to provide compensation and facilitation services to assist affected businesses.

They have also established a multi-disciplinary team to directly support brownfield operators seeking land relocation.

As of March 2024, the government has aided 37 affected in obtaining planning approvals for sites like the Kwu Tung North / Fanling North, Hung Shui Kiu / Ha Tsuen, and Yuen Long South Development.

Also, it has given priority to affected farmers in renting farmland at the Kwu Tung South "Agricultural Park" to support modern, commercial crop production.

The first phase of farmland has been fully allocated to those impacted by projects like KTN / FN, and authorities are preparing for the second phase expected as early as next year.