Conservationists are questioning why the Environmental Protection Department has given the go-ahead to the Jockey Club's revitalisation plan for the Central Police Station compound without waiting for a report on the latest archaeological finds.
The department already issued an environmental permit on April 18, even though the club is still studying the relics recently discovered and preparing a report to submit to the Antiquities and Monuments Office.
Albert Lai Kwong-tak, chairman of Professional Commons, questioned the basis for approving the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, which was submitted in January and did not contain the latest findings.
'Approval should be given only with the most updated information,' Lai said. 'Since the study brief for the EIA included a field investigation, I wonder whether this EIA is a compliant report.'
A department spokesman defended the permit, saying it came with conditions, including a requirement for an additional archaeological investigation during the detailed design stage. It vowed to follow up on the requirements.
The club said the fieldwork could not be done earlier due to constraints such as a tight schedule.
The club, which is leading the HK$1.8 billion project, has been reluctant to disclose details about relics and items excavated.
