Source:
https://scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1153355/reda-slams-town-planning-board-tighter-draft-zoning-plans
Hong Kong

Reda slams Town Planning Board for tighter draft zoning plans

Benjamin Yu

The Real Estate Developers Association has accused the Town Planning Board of "micro-management" and failing to properly consider its views on four draft zoning plans.

The association yesterday applied to the Court of First Instance for a judicial review of the draft plans.

The zones involved are Ngau Tau Kok and Kowloon Bay, Wan Chai, Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei and Ngau Tau Kok. Amendments had earlier been made to tighten restrictions, including on the height and depth of structures and where should be considered "non-building areas".

Benjamin Yu SC, for Reda, said laying down different limits for individual plots of land and buildings went against the broad-brushed approach intended for outline zoning plans.

"Once you allow this micro-managing of buildings, there is no end to it," he said.

The barrister said decisions regarding building restrictions could affect the property rights of individual owners, who would get no compensation.

Yu added: "These matters have been troubling the association for some time. After pursuing other avenues, [it believes] the only way is the court process."

Yu said the board did not give a chance for views to be properly aired, with members sometimes leaving the room when someone was trying to make their case.

The hearing, scheduled to last four days, continues before Mr Justice Au Hing-cheung.