Tai O proposal has not balanced development with conservation

I think the Development Bureau has adopted an incorrect approach to the Tai O redevelopment project, and I fully support the protests raised recently ('1,000 fight Tai O redevelopment', October 28).

The proposed redevelopment plan has not managed to maintain a balance between redevelopment and natural conservation. Unlike heritage conservation, there are no physical entities to be conserved and there is no history to be preserved.

For heritage conservation, it might be necessary to inject new elements into the old fabric of the buildings. Possible new elements include commercial and cultural entities. This approach would mean the preserved heritage would be continuously tested against the challenges posed by a new generation rather than being kept idle in the flow of time. This is the reason why I fully support the new cultural complex proposed for the Central Police Station.

For a natural conservation project such as the Tai O redevelopment, what has to be preserved is completely different. The natural scenery and its status as a fishing village can only be preserved by a 'less is more' approach. No big upgrading should be done, but rather the way life is conducted in the villages should have minimal physical intervention.

There might be arguments that without the commercial elements and funding, it might not sustain the economic test and hence the project might not even get past the first hurdle. However, it should be noted commercial intervention can be carried out in many ways and not necessarily in the form of restaurants and retailers. The administration needs to review this issue with a more innovative approach, in order to trully preserve the beautiful natural scenery and ways of life of Tai O. The present proposal is simply below standard. One has to wonder why the Development Bureau has been so inconsistent with its proposals.

I look forward to a more innovative approach from the bureau for this project, which is simply needed to set a proper direction for future natural conservation projects.