The Buildings Department approved 16 building plans in July - four on Hong Kong Island, five in Kowloon and seven in the New Territories.

Of the approved plans, five were for apartment and apartment-commercial developments, four were for commercial developments, two were for factory and industrial developments and five were for community services developments.

Last month, consent was given to start work on 13 building projects that, when completed, will provide 6,858 square metres of gross floor area for domestic use, involving 125 units, and 159,684 square metres of gross floor area for non-domestic use.

27 occupation permits issued

The department also issued 27 occupation permits - one on Hong Kong Island, 12 in Kowloon and 14 in the New Territories.

Of the buildings certified for occupation, the gross floor area for domestic use was 107,110 square metres, involving 1,826 units, and 175,493 square metres for non-domestic use.