****************************************************************

The Town Planning Board today (July 23) reviewed the planning application for a hotel and open space development at Ship Street and Kennedy Road, Wan Chai. The Board deferred a decision on the case after thorough deliberations.

"Falling within an area mainly zoned "Other Specified Uses" annotated "Comprehensive Redevelopment Area" ("OU(CRA)") and partly zoned "Open Space", the proposed development would contribute positively to urban renewal in the Wan Chai district. It would also help preserve Nam Koo Terrace while allowing public access to this historical building. By including land already zoned for open space use within the development, implementation of the open space could be fast-tracked. The Board recognized such merits in the development, and fully appreciated the efforts made by the applicant in revitalizing this part of old Wan Chai over the past years," a spokesman for the Board said.

"While the proposed development was generally in line with the planning intention laid down by the Board for the "OU(CRA)" zone, there were still issues of concern on such aspect as the design of the proposed development which would result in wall effect when viewed from Bowen Road. The applicant would also need to fully demonstrate that the development would be sustainable in traffic terms, without resulting in unacceptable traffic impact on the surrounding road network."

"The Board would like the applicant to come back with further submissions to demonstrate that the concerns could be satisfactorily addressed," the spokesman added.

The applicant sought planning permission for amendments to a 93-storey hotel and commercial development previously approved by the Board in 1994. The latest scheme proposed to enlarge the site boundary by about 42% and to extend into an open space zone, with different design and layout. The Board's Metro Planning Committee rejected the application in April. The applicant sought review of the decision which was heard by the Board today.

Ends/Friday, July 23, 2004

NNNN