Lawmakers on Wednesday approved legal changes that relax a general ban on reclamation in Victoria Harbour.

Before changes to the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance, any reclamation in the harbour is forbidden unless it is proven to have an "overriding public need".

After the change, a new system will be set up such that the Chief Executive in Council is empowered to make the call on whether or not large-scale reclamation for roads and infrastructure satisfies such a need.

Developers will also need to present reports to the public.

Harbour improvement works smaller than 0.8 hectares will be allowed, such as the construction of ramps, spaces for boat repairs and wave-absorbing infrastructure.

Temporary reclamation works smaller than three hectares will also be possible, provided they are completed within seven years, and have gone through stakeholder consultations and obtained government approvals.

Development chief Bernadette Linn said officials will still protect the harbour while allowing projects that improve the harbourfront to take place.

"We hope that through the streamlined mechanism, we will be able to promote more works that will benefit the public," she said inside the Legco chamber.

"This bill will give us a more solid legal basis for improving the harbourfront so that we can build a harbour that we can all be proud of."

The vast majority of lawmakers who spoke supported the change, saying the public will in future be able to enjoy the harbourfront quicker – because improvement works will no longer be subject to lengthy procedural delays.

The DAB's Starry Lee described the change as a milestone achievement that would lift restrictions on harbourfront development, allowing the people to reach the shore across different districts easier, rather than only fragmented segments of it.

The Federation of Trade Union's Bill Tang supported the bill but said officials should narrow down the definition of "harbour" protected by the law.

He called on officials to reconsider his proposal that places like Rambler Channel and Kai Tak shouldn't be considered as part of Victoria Harbour that needs special protection.

Third Side lawmaker Tik Chi-yuen, meanwhile, abstained from voting, saying he has grave reservations that the new system will allow the chief executive to vet reclamation proposals made by his or her own governments.

Linn stressed in response that officials will make proposals based on existing laws, and people who oppose future reclamation plans can still file a judicial review.