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SCMP Reporter

THE Government has come under fire over a decision to allow private development on a site previously designated for public sector use, with calls for more open consultation over land use in Hongkong.

  The site of the now disused Norwegian Seamen's Mission is owned by the Government and is set to go under the hammer tomorrow.

  Under the outline zoning plan for the district, the site was designated a government institution and community zone. Permission from the Town Planning Board for rezoning was granted on December 4.

  The site covers about 1,395 square metres in Cox's Road and overlooks the Kowloon Cricket Club. It will now be developed for private residential use. One surveyor estimated it would fetch more than $240 million.

  But residents in an apartment block next to the site claim a lack of consultation from the Planning Department.

  Mr Robin Williams said if he had known of the plans, he would not have renewed his lease last month.

  ''Both the children have allergenic induced asthma and will definitely suffer if the land next to us is turned into a building site,'' he said.

  He only discovered the Government was selling the land when a public auction notice was put up last month.

  ''Neither myself, nor any of my neighbours, was notified of their intentions - we are all very unhappy about the situation,'' he said.

  Mr Williams said he believed the planning process should be more open to public participation.

  Another resident, legislator Mr Gilbert Leung Kam-ho, said he was disturbed by the sudden sale of the land to private developers.

  ''The whole re-zoning procedure takes place under a cloak of secrecy and goes against the move for democratisation in Hongkong,'' he said.

  He said he was surprised there was no public consultation in this case, when the consultative document comprehensive review of the town planning ordinance specifically called for greater public involvement.

  But the Planning Department told the South China Morning Post it was satisfied public consultation had taken place.

  Although public consultation is not statutory under the town planning ordinance, a senior town planner at the town planning ordinance review unit said it was common practice to get the views of affected residents before planning permission was given.

  ''It is usual to consult with the relevant district officer to get an understanding of local opinions,'' he said.

  He was satisfied there were no objections in this particular case.

  Mr Barton Ireland, District Officer for Yau Tsim, said there were no objections to the development of the site.

  Mr Williams also expressed concern over the make up of the Town Planning Board.

  ''I'm fed up with vested interest groups dictating what happens to my community without consulting me,'' he said.

  ''I will seek legal advice, but I am concerned that any appeal I take will be considered by the people who made the decision in the first place.''   The board is chaired by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Tony Eason, and comprises six officials and 24 appointed non-official members, who are mainly professionals.

  Legislator Mr Albert Chan Wai-yip also criticised the structure of the board and called for urgent reforms to include participation from independent parties and elected legislators or district board members.



Fury over development of public site