Bill Row May Delay Vacant NT Land Plan: Govt

Development Secretary Michael Wong has confirmed reports that the government's proposal to partner up with developers to build on vacant farmland in the New Territories may face a delay – due to the tense social atmosphere over the extradition bill saga.

Details of the Land Sharing Pilot Scheme were supposed to be unveiled by the end of next month.

But the minister said on Tuesday that the government is taking time to study the plan's details carefully, so it can balance different views.

Wong said it will be better to implement various government plans when society becomes calmer.

"We are still looking at the details. Give us a bit more time, so we will make an announcement when we are ready," the secretary said.

He added that the public will get updates about the project in a few weeks' time.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam had announced details of this plan in October last year with the formation of a body called the Land and Development Advisory Committee to vet applications.

Lam had said at the time that she wants to speed up the development of unused farmland sites.