The Buildings Department approved eight building plans in January, with two on Hong Kong Island, one in Kowloon and five in the New Territories.

Of the approved plans, five were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, while three were for community services developments.

Consent was given for works to start on five projects. Upon completion, they will provide 63,158 square metres of domestic gross floor area involving 1,403 units, and 56,231 sq m of non-domestic gross floor area.

Additionally, the department has received notification of commencement of superstructure works for five building projects.

It also issued 17 occupation permits – three on Hong Kong Island, six in Kowloon and eight in the New Territories.

The buildings certified for occupation comprise 34,216 sq m of gross floor area for domestic use, involving 1,300 units, and 31,107 sq m for non-domestic use.

Meanwhile, the department received 2,635 reports about unauthorised building works in January and issued 759 removal orders. Four demolition consents were also issued.