I refer to the confidential decision of the Town Planning Board that design changes to the Hopewell Centre II, or Mega Tower, were so minor that they did not need the board's approval ('Rezoning plan for Wan Chai site rejected' December 18).
In 1994 when the project was approved there was no public consultation.
Now, after five years of public debate and criticism of a planning system that has failed to protect the public interest (on the 1994 scheme), it is an insult to the public that changes to the scheme are again being implemented behind closed doors - and in fact delegated to the level of district planning officer.
The fact that Hopewell Holdings has, under pressure, shown a willingness to modify the scheme is not an excuse for the Planning Department to exclude the views of the public on these changes.
The department should immediately make known the following:
Absolute confirmation that the maximum gross floor area is 101,667 square metres and that no extra 'hidden' bonuses will be allowed;