The MTR Corporation has taken note of public opposition to wall-like developments and revised the design of residential high-rises it will build on top of Tai Wai station on the East Rail Line in Sha Tin.
The Town Planning Board granted approval yesterday but questioned a 27 per cent increase in car parking to 411 spaces. This will increase the size of the podium, blocking sunlight and air flow. The board said the development was already convenient for residents as it was on top of a mass transit system.
The development, comprising eight residential blocks of about 50 storeys, was criticised by the public for being too visually intrusive. Residents in the area fear the massive development will dwarf the group of tenement buildings behind the station and block air flow.
Another residential development by the MTR Corp, comprising 12 high-rises of about 50 storeys, has already been built above the Tai Wai depot next to Tai Wai station. This has been named Festival City and flats will be sold for more than HK$10,000 per sq ft.
Under the latest plan submitted to the Town Planning Board, the MTR Corp will introduce gaps between the blocks - the largest being 50 metres wide between tower three and tower four.
The podium edge near the Shing Mun River channel will be set back by about 15 metres to allow a wider landscape promenade. A pedestrian piazza with some greening is also proposed for public enjoyment.