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Three initial development options have emerged from the Study on South East New Territories Development Strategy Review by the Planning Department.

These options, including conservation, recreation and tourism for the study area, were discussed at a public consultation forum on the study today (Saturday).

A spokesman for the department said behind them were a number of planning principles, ranging from the consolidation of existing urban development, maintenance of natural setting, ecology and heritage, stimulation of rural upgrading, to minimisation of future environmental impacts.

Also applied were the principles of avoiding overloading infrastructure and clustering attractions were possible.

The spokesman explained that the options share such features as the introduction of 'gateway' centre(s), retention of existing Country Parks, expansion of villages within appropriate locations, improvements to rural housing areas, continuation of approved projects, and protection of sites with cultural or heritage significance.

"Land-use proposals in the three options are not mutually exclusive. In pursuing a preferred development option, beneficial components from any of the initial options may be refined, reshuffled or combined," he said.

In addition to the views collected from public consultation, when preparing the preferred options the study team will examine the initial options in terms of various factors including traffic and support, engineering feasibility, environment, landscape, socio-economic aspects, and implementation.

Representatives from various sectors of the community, including members of statutory and advisory bodies, professional institutes, green groups, local organisations and government officials attended today's public forum, the second of its kind for the study.

The first forum convened in May 1999 has addressed the approach and key issues of the study.

Conducted since March 1999, the study aims at comprehensively reviewing the current land use proposals and recommending a planning framework to guide future development of South East New Territories.

The Consultation Digest and other relevant details of the study are available at the Planing Department's website at http://www.info.gov.hk/planning

End/Saturday, October 16, 1999

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