ODZ swimming pools to get fast-tracking

The applications will not have to go through the scrutiny of the Environment and Resources Authority, and instead will be approved directly by the chairperson of the Environment Planning Commission without a public hearing. Additionally, the period where the general public can object to such applications has been shortened from three to two weeks.

Draft rules are proposing that swimming pools within the cartilage of an existing building can be approved through the new procedure, except those located in scheduled properties, urban conservation areas and archaeological buffer zones. 

Swimming pools located outside development zones are not excluded. 

The new summary procedure will also apply to the construction of new residential buildings with up to 16 dwelling units and parking facilities – as long as they are not located in urban conservation areas, ODZ or villa areas.

Chimneys and flues, extensions to dwellings in the development zone and basements will also benefit from the fast-track procedure when located within the development zone and outside historical village cores.

The procedure will also apply to development notification orders (DNOs) for minor developments such as washrooms and air-conditioning units, which are already approved in the absence of public hearings informed of any such development. Applications will pass the scrutiny of three persons: the case officer who will consider whether it conforms to existing policies, his senior who will endorse the report and finally the chairperson of the Planning Commission.