The existing Town Planning Ordinance was first enacted in 1939. There is a need to revise the legislation from time to time to meet the requirements of the changing social and economic environment in Hong Kong.

The Town Planning (Amendment) Bill 2003 was introduced into the Legislative Council in May 2003. The main objectives of the amendment bill are to streamline the plan-making process and planning approval procedures, enhance the openness and transparency of the planning system and strengthen planning enforcement control in the rural New Territories. The amendment bill was subsequently passed by the Council on July 7, 2004. The Town Planning (Amendment) Ordinance 2004 was then gazetted on July 23, 2004 and will come into operation on a date to be appointed by the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands by notice in the Gazette. An information pamphlet on the Town Planning (Amendment) Ordinance 2004 is available from the Enquiry Counter of the Planning Department or can be downloaded from the Planning Department's website.