The haste with which the government convened an independent panel to examine the Grand Promenade controversy - and the speed with which its recommendations are being followed by the secretary for housing, planning and lands - leads one to suspect that the problems exposed at the Sai Wan Ho site may be only the tip of the iceberg.
The statutory planning system needs to ensure that the planning intent is clear, quantifiable, fair and transparent to the public. Currently, the overriding consideration appears to be 'to make the best use of each and every piece of government land in order to generate the maximum premium and rental income', as the Lands Department recently advised legislators.
The lack of definitions and parameters in outline zoning plans is a probable result. Perversely, the larger the sites, the fewer the density controls, particularly when they are rezoned as 'comprehensive development areas'.
The planning of our city deserves much more consideration than revenue generation. As your editorial of May 17 points out 'Open space should be designed for all to enjoy', but open space is an anathema to a lands department that just wants to sell it.
ROGER EMMERTON, Wan Chai
Integrity beyond dispute
The Grand Promenade saga, followed by the RTHK storm (in a teacup), is a classic blunder by the controversial Audit Commission. It destroyed the character and lifelong reputation of a brilliant career civil servant, former buildings chief Leung Chin-man, who made it to the top despite the lack of a university degree.