Urban design guidelines, a set of broad design principles aimed at helping to create a quality environment, have been incorporated into a new chapter of the Hong Kong Planning Standards & Guidelines.

The Planning Department said the new chapter would provide a reference for government and private professionals in the planning and development process with regard to the merits and impacts of their proposals.

Formulated to shape a better physical environment, the urban design guidelines cover massing and intensity in urban fringe areas and rural areas, development height profiles, waterfront sites, public areas, streetscapes, heritage, breezeways and view corridors, stilted structures and specific major land uses.

The department said good urban design can provide better access for pedestrians, including the elderly and disabled, to various facilities.

Planning can also help foster an interesting street culture and greater participation in the community, it added.

Study recommendations prompt new chapter

The new chapter, Chapter 11 of the HKPSG, was prompted by the findings and recommendations of the "Study on Urban Design Guidelines for Hong Kong" completed by the department in 2003.

The study had gone through an extensive public consultation exercise, with input from professional bodies, advisory and statutory authorities and the relevant Legislative Council panels.

The previous Chapter 11, "Miscellaneous Planning Standards & Guidelines", has been re-numbered as Chapter 12.