Hong Kong green group to launch petition against planned resort on western Lantau coast
Save Lantau Alliance says proposal to develop green-belt site in rural area neighbouring country parks would cause ecological damage and pave way for housing
A green group will launch an online signature campaign on Tuesday against a private company’s plan to build an eco-resort on a green-belt site neighbouring a protected coastal area in southwest Lantau.
The Save Lantau Alliance is worried that the proposed development for the 289,000 sq ft site would create pollution and place ecological pressure on the bordering North Lantau Country Park, as well as pave the way for the company to develop luxury housing at the site.
Greencourt’s application to re-categorise the green-belt site as being for “other specified uses” was submitted as an amendment to the Town Planning Board’s draft zoning plan for Yi O, a rural area on the western Lantau coast surrounded by the north and south Lantau country parks. It was gazetted in November last year.
The board is now consulting the public on the amendment and the deadline for comments is Thursday.
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The proposed eco-resort would feature a 70-room lodge, a visitor centre, picnic area, agricultural field, nature trail, sports centre, shops, a restaurant, a private club and a holiday camp.
Greencourt has also proposed other future uses for the site including hotels or housing, subject to further planning board approval.