Fears over seabed fill

The consultancy to study the controversial project of filling the seabed along Wan Chai will be asked to avoid reclamation as far as possible, the Government has promised.

The Planning, Environment and Lands Bureau wants a feasibility study on the project but has been confronted by legislators worried about excessive reclamation.

In a paper to be tabled to the Legco planning lands and works panel for discussion, the bureau says it will specifically request the consultancy to avoid reclamation as far as possible.

'It is worth noting that the objective of the proposed development in Wan Chai is not to reclaim land for development and that there is no predetermined limit of reclamation,' the paper says.