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Certainty and Discretion in Planning Control: A Case Study of Office Development in Hong Kong

Author

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  • Bo-sin Tang

    (Department of Building and Real Estate, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, bsbstang@polyu.edu. hk)

  • Lennon H. T. Choy

    (Department of Building and Real Estate, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, bslennon@polyu.edu.hk)

  • Joshua K. F. Wat

    (Department of Building and Real Estate, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, jarvis_hk@hongkong.com)

Abstract

Hong Kong's planning control system entails a framework of statutory zoning plans and a discretionary permission process. Through examining past planning decisions on urban office development applications between 1988 and 1997, this paper explores whether this 'hybrid' system provides both certainty for development capital and flexibility in administrative control. Our study concludes that the Hong Kong system offers considerable certainty, although the decision-making criteria of the development controllers tend to deviate from the planning policy applicable to our application cases. Technical merits of the development schemes are found to be necessary, but not sufficient conditions in securing planning permissions. The rejection reasons given by the planning authority apparently disguise their real concerns. Market forces also affect planning control decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Bo-sin Tang & Lennon H. T. Choy & Joshua K. F. Wat, 2000. "Certainty and Discretion in Planning Control: A Case Study of Office Development in Hong Kong," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 37(13), pages 2465-2483, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:37:y:2000:i:13:p:2465-2483
    DOI: 10.1080/00420980020080641
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. M Ball, 1994. "The 1980s Property Boom," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 26(5), pages 671-695, May.
    2. J Barlow & A King, 1992. "The State, the Market, and Competitive Strategy: The Housebuilding Industry in the United Kingdom, France, and Sweden," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 24(3), pages 381-400, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yochanan Shachmurove & Reuel Shinnar (Deceased), 2012. "Do Chemical Reactors Hold the Solution for Global Economic Crises?," PIER Working Paper Archive 12-010, Penn Institute for Economic Research, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania.
    2. Li Tian, 2014. "Property Rights, Land Values and Urban Development," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 15856.

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