Hoi Ha plan fails test for environmental protection
Wilson Lau says the plan to develop in an ecologically fragile part of Sai Kung shows the need for a more rigorous assessment process
Upwards of 200 people walked from Tai Tan to Hoi Ha Wan last Saturday to expose the likely impact of development in this fragile pocket, located inside Sai Kung West Country Park but not part of the country park.
They marched in opposition to the proposed zoning plan for Hoi Ha, which will significantly enlarge the developable area, despite the close proximity and probable adverse effect on the surrounding, relatively pristine, environment.
As a country park enclave, the zoning in Hoi Ha came under review after the Tai Long Sai Wan controversy in 2010 - in which a private owner's attempt to build on the land raised a public outcry - compelled the government to evaluate the status of the 77 enclaves throughout Hong Kong.
When the criteria for designating country parks was revised the following year, it was stated that enclaves could be included in country parks or come under appropriate statutory zoning, to be determined by its conservation value. Other aspects, such as its geographical proximity, existing population size and development pressures, would also be considered.
With these changes in mind, it seems inconceivable that a zoning plan could be approved to intensify development pressure in Hoi Ha, as opposed to enhancing conservation in the area. After all, it is a place considered unique in ecological terms and formally recognised with a marine park, and country park surrounding three sides of the village.
To increase the developable area in such places of high ecological value calls into question the kind of ecological assessments adopted by the Town Planning Board.