The declared cost of the new buildings completed in July totalled about $1.2 billion, the Buildings Department says.

The department approved 32 building plans in July - 11 on Hong Kong Island, 12 in Kowloon and nine in the New Territories. Of the approved plans, 13 were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, eight for commercial developments, four for factory and industrial developments, and seven for community-services developments.

Consent was given for work to start on 15 projects that, when completed, will provide 239,844 square metres of gross floor area for domestic use, involving 2,546 units, and 113,806 square metres of gross floor area for non-domestic use. The department received notification of commencement of work for 13 building projects.

The department also issued 24 occupation permits - three on Hong Kong Island, seven in Kowloon and 14 in the New Territories. The gross floor areas for domestic use were 8,628 square metres, involving 115 units, and 103,816 square metres for non-domestic use.

In addition, three demolition consents involving three structures were issued, while 1,953 complaints against unauthorised building works were received and 4,726 removal orders on unauthorised works issued.