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Nevertheless, even for the successfully completed rezoning cases in 2018, the average time needed for the rezoning process alone
counting from the identification of the potential site to obtaining the approval from the Chief Executive in Council, and excluding any
actual housing development, was around 4-5 years.

While the actual statutory rezoning process is relatively swift, taking 11 months to complete (with an extension
of six months subject to the CE’s discretion), the bulk of the time lag lies in the substantial preparatory works
undertaken beforehand, which took on average 41 months to complete (for cases that were completed
successfully in 2018).

The preparatory work for rezoning of a subject site is usually led by PlanD together with other departments such as the Civil
Engineering and Development Department or Housing Department where necessary. They conduct studies on various technical
aspects including environment and ecology, traffic, infrastructure capacity, air ventilation, noise, visual impact, etc. The departments
may consult key stakeholders including respective District Councils, concern groups, local residents etc. to understand their concerns.
Based on the information collected, PlanD will prepare a development proposal for the subject site (i.e. a new draft plan, amendment
to an approved plan or amendment to a draft plan). The Town Planning Board (TPB) will then gazette the draft plan or amendments
for public inspection to kick off the statutory OZP amendment process. Finally, the draft plan together with any representations,
comments and further representations as well as the amendments proposed by the TPB will be submitted to the Chief Executive in
Council for approval.

As there are still 69 sites pending for an initiation of their statutory rezoning processes, the preparatory time
required is bound to increase further.

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