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Close Loopholes to stop Rural Destruction
20/09/2010
In view of the ongoing destruction in the high risk areas neighouring country parks, the Civic Party has conducted a thorough research over the last month. Below are the findings:
1. Among the list of 53 “un-included areas” announced by the government (those neighbouring country parks but not under any planning control), 14 of them are being damaged or are under various degree of development threats.
2. In the Hoi Ha Marine Park, the boundary supposedly drawn according to the high tide mark is inconsistent with the current situation. This error has opened a loophole to allow developers to acquire “agricultural land” (now under water) for the building of luxury units. This is posing serious threat to the integrity of the marine park.
3. The phenomenon of developers acquiring “ding” rights for large-scale development is in contravention of the original intent of the small house policy. Selling “ding” rights prior to house building may actually be against government regulations (see details on the government “small house application form”). The approval of 16 small houses in To Kwai Ping, and the presale of 50 units in Hoi Hai, may all be related to such potentially illegal sales.
In order to conserve the common natural heritage of the Hong Kong people, the Civic Party urges the government to implement the following measures as soon as possible:
1. Within three months, declare DPA plans on all 53 “un-included areas”. If individual planning studies cannot be finished by then, Government should impose “unspecified areas” on these sites similar to what was imposed on Tai Long Sai Wan. The government shall then have three years to prepare outline zoning plans on these sites.
2. Correct the boundary error of the Hoi Ha Marine Park; redraw the boundary in accordance with updated surveys so as to avoid future reclamation for luxury housing construction. Designing Hong Kong has today formally written to AFCD in this regard.
3. Conduct a thorough investigation on illegal pre-selling of “ding” rights, release the findings and implement strict measures against those who violate the regulations. The government should re-open the review of the small house policy promised eight years ago.