A new proposal by an influential developer for a site adjoining a coastal-protection area in the northwestern New Territories is attracting strong opposition from conservationists, despite it being for a smaller development this time, and including more conservation features.
The new proposal for Ha Pak Nai, a sensitive site of ecological and archaeological value, is to develop 31 hectares, in which would be built 137 residential blocks of three storeys and, in an 'eco-camp', 12 of two storeys. A preservation area of a few hectares would be for butterflies.
The man behind the proposal is Lau Wong-fat, legislator for the Heung Yee Kuk, which looks after the interests of indigenous New Territories residents. He is also an Executive Council member.
The planner is architect and rural leader Daniel Heung Cheuk-kei, cousin of Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen. Heung has been in the news for converting a warehouse in a Sha Tin village into a luxury villa without authorisation.
Expressing concerns that the development would damage the breeding ground of egrets and rare species like horseshoe crabs, green groups have submitted their views to the Town Planning Board during a one-month consultation. It had already received over 250 public comments by Thursday, a day before the end.
According to a tentative schedule, board members will examine the proposal in October.