The Planning Department says the proposal to streamline the small house application procedure does not involve expansion of the Village Type Development zone boundary or changes to small house policy.

The Town Planning Board has assessment criteria for considering planning applications for Small House development. Favourable consideration will be given to proposed small houses with only a minor portion - less than half of the house footprint - falling outside the Village Type Development zone boundary.

Since the adoption of the criteria in 2000, the board has approved almost all such applications, as the impact to other zones is insignificant. In view of the high approval rate, there is scope for streamlining the procedure by exempting them from planning application, the department said.

The proposed exemption from planning application, however, will not apply to sites encroaching on conservation-related zones, country parks, green-belt zones if any tree felling is involved, road zones and water gathering grounds, to ensure proper planning control.

The board will consider the proposed change on September 7.