Controversial Hong Kong golf course development given green light on condition housing layout is revised to preserve woodland
- Woodland is in heart of housing area in a section designated for residential block, a podium garden with commercial developments and parking spaces
- Concern group hopes new plan to preserve woodland will not mean fewer flats are built
The conditional approval from the director of environmental protection came eight days after government advisers backed the plan but called for modifications for better conservation.
“The approval was granted after careful examination of the environmental impact assessment report … and full consideration of the relevant comments on the environment from the Advisory Council on the Environment as well as members of the public … and the submission of additional information by the Civil Engineering and Development Department,” the Environmental Protection Department said.
It said development-related departments were required to devise a layout that preserved a woodland of 0.39 hectares (0.96 acres) and provide a detailed landscape and visual plan that minimised the project’s impact.
It was also concerned about how the proposed development area would be managed with high standards.
“The club will closely monitor the government’s next steps … while endeavouring to preserve the ecology of the century-old area of living heritage,” a spokeswoman said.