A new measure for fast-tracking second appeals relating to premium assessment for lease-modification transactions has been rolled out for six months' trial, the Lands Department says. The move aims  to shorten the development-approval process.

Currently, if an applicant disagrees with the amount of revised premium the department offers after the first premium appeal, he may submit a second appeal within three months of the date the offer is rejected.

Under the new arrangement, the applicant may either submit the second appeal in the usual way - or trigger the fast-track procedure by submitting a counter offer supported by justifications within 12 working days of the offer date.

Upon receipt, the department will determine whether the counter offer is qualified to be processed under the fast-track procedure, such as whether fresh justifications are submitted.

For qualified counter offers, the department will exchange views with the applicant or agent as soon as possible on matters relevant to the premium assessment and will invite them to attend the department's valuation conference to elaborate on the justifications.

After the deliberation, the department will make another offer to the applicant within 24 working days of the date of receipt of the counter offer and the justifications. More details about the new measure are available here.