The Buildings Department approved 26 building plans in January - seven on Hong Kong Island, five in Kowloon and 14 in the New Territories.

Of them, 13 were for apartment and apartment-commercial developments, six were commercial, four were factory and industrial, and three were for community services.

Consent was given for work to start on 16 projects that, when completed, will provide 1,600 units, and 40,591 square metres of gross floor area for non-domestic use.

The department has received notification of commencement of work for 10 building projects and issued 13 occupation permits - two on Hong Kong Island, four in Kowloon and seven in the New Territories.

Of the buildings certified for occupation, the gross floor areas for domestic use were 182,606 square metres, involving 2,667 units, and 144,265 square metres for non-domestic use.