The Development Bureau launches new measures to expedite the approval of large projects, establishing a three-tier mechanism to shorten approval time

The Secretary for Development, Ning Hanhao, announced on his blog that new measures will be introduced to streamline the approval process for large development projects. This will be achieved by strengthening internal oversight and high-level intervention mechanisms to expedite the approval process for large projects across Hong Kong, including the Northern Metropolis.

The new measures establish a three-tier oversight and intervention mechanism targeting the three key approval stages of planning, land administration, and construction. This applies to large residential projects with over 500 units, commercial developments with a floor area of over 100,000 square meters, as well as projects in innovative technology, education, and healthcare industries, in line with the "industry-oriented" development strategy of the Northern Metropolis.

The three-tier mechanism operates as follows: the first tier involves frontline departments (such as district officers from the Planning Department) coordinating the process. If relevant departments do not provide feedback within three weeks or if there are significant disagreements, the case will be reported within four weeks. The second tier involves intervention by deputy directors or assistant directors. If the issue remains unresolved after six weeks, it escalates to the third tier. The third tier is submitted to a dedicated group led by the Secretary for Development.

Projects in the Northern Metropolis will be handled by the "Northern Metropolis Project Supervision Office," chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Development. Other projects will be managed by the "Streamlined Development Control Steering Group," chaired by the Deputy Secretary for Development.

The Planning Department aims for at least 80% of projects to complete their review within six months. The mechanism also covers the Lands Department and the Buildings Department, and requires relevant departments such as the Transport Department, Fire Services Department, and Environmental Protection Department to submit feedback within the deadline, in a collaborative effort to compress the overall approval time.

The measures aim to address past issues of inter-departmental disagreements and lengthy procedures through systematic oversight and high-level coordination, thereby accelerating land supply and project development efficiency, supporting the implementation of long-term plans such as the Northern Metropolis