A green group yesterday urged government departments to take a fresh look at the sites listed for sale in the application list system, as they might become 'giant high-rises' in the future, further worsening air quality across the city.
Twelve lots, at West Kowloon, Hung Hom, Tung Chung and other coastal sites, were of concern to Green Sense as high-rises of more than 100 metres were permitted.
The group said these high-rises - usually more than 40 storeys tall - would form a wall at the coastline and trap smog and heat in the district.
Chairman Roy Tam Hoi-pong said the government could prevent this 'wall effect' from happening if it took action in advance.
'It will be too late after the plots are auctioned,' he said. 'However, officials have a lot of flexibility when the plots are still on the list for sale.' Particulars of West Kowloon's land auction will be gazetted on Friday.
'The government should make use of these few days to consider lowering the plot ratio or restricting the height or density of the buildings if they are not to jeopardise the residents' health.'
