The Government is bracing for vigorous criticisk again of its proposed reclamation plan in Sham Tseng, despite a scaled-down development density.
The proposal seeks to reclaim the bay area facing Sea Crest Villa, Lido Garden Kerry Properties' nearly finished Ocean Pointe and the Bellagio development being built by Wharf (Holdings) to Anglers' Beach.
The reclaimed land will be mainly used for residential development. The reclamation plan has been pending for two years after the Government cited technicalities as reason to conduct further studies.
In its latest amendment, the Civil Engineering Department (CED) proposed cutting back the reclamation area to 15.2 hectares from the original 16.3ha. It also suggested reducing future housing units to 4,470 compared with 7,000 units in its initial recommendation in 1998.
Tsuen wan District Council vice-chairman David Chan ai-ming said the CED would face opposition to raising funds from the Government at the end of this year for the more detailed study. He suggested the Government postpone the plan.
He objected to the reclamation proposal because it would block sea views from buildings in the vicinity.