Study on developing housing by Hong Kong country parks ‘should be vetted by advisory body’
Country and Marine Parks Board wonders why Housing Society has not yet spoken to it about feasibility
A contentious feasibility study on developing the periphery of two Hong Kong country parks for public housing and elderly homes should be vetted by the statutory advisory body for such policies before it begins, the organisation says.
The Country and Marine Parks Board on Tuesday said at the last meeting of its current term that it would ask the Housing Society to furnish members more details, arguing there was no sense excluding it from consultations as parameters and direction were being determined.
The not-for-profit society announced in May the government had “invited” it to conduct an 18-month study on the feasibility of building public flats and homes for the elderly on two 20-hectare sites on the perimeter of Tai Lam and Ma On Shan country parks. The areas were deemed to be low in “ecological and public enjoyment value”.
“Because of how complicated it is to delineate the exact boundaries ... this board plays a very important role,” member Dr Man Chi-sum said. “I can’t see why the Housing Society has not come to speak to us yet.”
“Whatever the government or society wants to do, they should talk to us and listen to our concerns before moving to the next step.”
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The board must be consulted on any proposed changes to country park boundaries or the ordinance, which states a “presumption against development” unless there is “compelling need”.
Another member, Dr Billy Hau Chi-hang, said it was inappropriate for such a major decision to be taken without prior discussion.