The State Council has approved the overall urban planning (2004-2020) for Taizhou, a port city on the eastern coast of China’s Zhejiang province.

Coordinated urban and rural development was urged in the designated area of 1,635 square kilometers, with extra attention paid to planning the city, county and major towns under its jurisdiction.

By 2020, the downtown population will be limited to 1.72 million, and an area of 189 square kilometers will be used for urban construction. In addition, no new district should be established outside the approved area.

Newly added construction land should be strictly controlled, and underground space should be explored and utilized. Efforts should also be made to improve the land usage rate and protect basic farmland.

The State Council also urged the Taizhou government to improve urban infrastructure, establishing a comprehensive transportation system and promoting the construction of urban parking lots.

The plan also suggests the government control pollutants and speed up cutting overcapacity, while creating a resident-friendly city, such as strengthening the sewage and recycling system and improving the consumption efficiency of water resources.

Efforts also should be strengthened to protect special ecological function areas such as natural reserves, scenic spots, wetlands and water sources.

The State Council called for the development of public services concerning education, medical care and municipal administration, and accelerating the renovation of shantytowns and dilapidated buildings to create a people-friendly city.

Efforts should also be made to protect historic culture and natural reserves, conduct ecological restoration and improve the environment, the document said.