Controversial housing plan for Hong Kong Golf Club site likely to bypass more bunkers after advisory council told not to vote on new ecological data
- Move comes as Advisory Council on the Environment to look at eight additional pieces of information on biodiversity and hydrology on site
- Decision means bid to build 12,000 flats on part of golf course will have, in effect, passed last environmental scrutiny before Legco and Town Planning Board stages
A controversial public housing development proposed for part of Hong Kong’s oldest golf club is on course to overcome a major hurdle on Wednesday because the authorities have told its environmental advisers not to vote in a meeting organised to examine new ecological findings at the site.
The rare move came despite the Hong Kong Golf Club, which leases 172 hectares (425 acres) of land in Fanling, on Tuesday submitting new survey results that more wildlife species had been identified on the development area.
But the decision by the authorities means the housing plan would in effect have passed the last scrutiny of its environmental impact on parts of the golf course.
“The Advisory Council on the Environment will not be required to make a further decision,” the Environmental Protection Department said in a paper circulated to members of the body.
“The final decision on approval of the environmental impact assessment report will rest with the director of environmental protection.”
The proposed plan will take up about 32 hectares (79 acres) – about a fifth – of the course and will create 12,000 public flats by 2029.
Major tournament organisers have warned the plan would put an end to professional championships, including the yearly Hong Kong Open.