Draft Hoi Ha Outline Zoning Plan gazetted
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     The Town Planning Board today (September 27) announced the publication of the draft Hoi Ha Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).

     The planning scheme area covers about 8.45 hectares. It is located at the northern coast of Sai Kung Peninsula, and is encircled by Sai Kung West Country Park on three sides, with the remaining side fronting the scenic Hoi Ha Wan (HHW), which is a designated Marine Park as well as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

     A spokesman for the Town Planning Board said that the general planning intention for the Area is to conserve its natural landscape and conservation value, to protect its natural and rural character and its cultural heritage, and to make provision for future Small House development for the indigenous village of Hoi Ha.

     A total of about 2.6 hectares of land are zoned "Village Type Development" to reflect an existing recognised village, and to provide land considered suitable for village expansion.

     About 0.01 hectares of land is zoned "Government, Institution or Community" primarily for the provision of government, institution or community facilities serving the needs of the local residents and a wider district, region or the territory. These facilities include a permanent single-storey flushing toilet and a single-storey refuse collection point.

     About 0.03 hectares of land is zoned "Other Specified Uses" annotated "Water Sports Recreation Centre" to reflect the existing water sports recreation centre (the Tolo Adventure Centre) to the north of Hoi Ha Road.

     About 0.65 hectares of land is zoned "Green Belt" to serve as an ecological buffer between village development and a rocky stream to the northwest, and to protect the significant landscape resources of this area.

     About 3.97 hectares of land are zoned "Conservation Area" to protect and retain the existing natural landscape, ecological or topographical features of the area for conservation, educational and research purposes and to separate sensitive natural environment such as Country Park from the adverse effects of development. The woodlands on the hillsides to the east and south of Hoi Ha Village, as well as a woodland at the western end of the Area, are included within this zone.

     About 0.98 hectares of land is zoned "Coastal Protection Area" to protect and retain the coastlines and the sensitive coastal environment, including attractive geological features, physical landforms or areas of high landscape, scenic or ecological significance, with a minimum of built development. The coastal area abutting the HHW Marine Park, consisting of sandy beaches, rock features, estuary, mangroves, mangrove-associated plants, backshore vegetation, shrubs and vegetated slopes, is included within this zone.

     The draft Hoi Ha OZP is now available for public inspection during office hours at the secretariat of the Town Planning Board; the Planning Enquiry Counters of the Planning Department in North Point and Sha Tin; the Sha Tin, Tai Po and North District Planning Office; the Tai Po District Office; and the Sai Kung North Rural Committee.

     Any person may make written representations in respect of the draft plan to the Secretary of the Board on or before November 27.

     Copies of the draft plan are available for sale at the Map Publications Centres in North Point and Yau Ma Tei. The electronic version of the plan can be viewed at the Town Planning Board's website (www.info.gov.hk/tpb).

Ends/Friday, September 27, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:02

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