Kwun Tong land-use changes will have negative impact on local residents

I strongly oppose the government's proposal to change land use at a number of sites in Kwun Tong.

Earlier this month, the sites were identified for residential development, such as one at Wai Lok Street. It was originally designated in the outline zoning plan as "specified land use" for a sewage treatment plant with a landscaped rooftop and statutory height limit of 15 metres. However, it is proposed this will be changed into medium-to-low residential land use of 20 storeys.

The planning U-turn indicates the government's lack of direction when it comes to development.

Land-use planning not only determines the way in which a city develops, but is also a determinant factor for property investment and citizens' choice of home location.

Height limits have been strictly adhered to in city development plans by previous governments. Wai Lok Street is one of the sites within the Kai Tak development. The height limit and land use were determined in the outline zoning plan for Kai Tak.

One of the principles of land-use zoning should be a comprehensive consideration of the needs of local residents and society as a whole and the impact a project will have on them. What can justify the change in height limit and land use at Wai Lok Street?