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The Town Planning Board today (November 13) announced the publication of the draft Yi O Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).
The planning scheme area covers Yi O and a site at Nga Ying Kok with a total area of about 23.34 hectares. It is one of the sea bays along the north-western coast of Lantau Island. The Yi O area is surrounded by Lantau North and Lantau South Country Parks on three sides, with the remaining side fronting Yi O Bay. The site at Nga Ying Kok is located to the north of Yi O, which is enclosed by Lantau North Country Park on the east, south and west and fronting the sea to the north. The area is rural in character and is a popular hiking area with scenic views, accessible either by the Lantau Trail or by boat via a local jetty at an appropriate water level.
A spokesman for the Town Planning Board said, "The general planning intention is to protect its high conservation and landscape value and the rural settings which complement the overall natural character and the landscape beauty of the surrounding Lantau North and Lantau South Country Parks and to make provision for future Small House development for the indigenous villagers of the Yi O area."
A total of about 0.38 hectares of land is zoned "Village Type Development" for the provision of land to designate both existing recognised village area and areas of land considered suitable for village expansion.
About 4.8 hectares of land is zoned "Agriculture" to retain and safeguard good quality agricultural land or farms for agricultural purposes. It is also intended to retain fallow arable land with good potential for rehabilitation for cultivation and other agricultural purposes. Active agricultural activities are found around Yi O San Tsuen and in the south-western part of the area. In addition, some abandoned agricultural land can be found in the eastern part along a stream and at the mouth of the valley and its estuary. The abandoned agricultural land has good potential for rehabilitation for cultivation and other agricultural purposes and is worthy of preservation for agricultural use.
To define the limits of development areas by natural features and to preserve the existing natural landscape as well as to provide passive recreational outlets, about 16.78 hectares of land is zoned "Green Belt". This zone covers the natural vegetated areas which consist of stream courses and woodlands. Most of the woodlands and areas adjoining Lantau North and Lantau South Country Parks are within this zone.
About 1.38 hectares of land is zoned "Coastal Protection Area" to conserve, protect and retain the natural coastlines and the sensitive coastal natural environment, including attractive geological features, physical landforms or areas of high landscape, scenic or ecological value, with a minimum of built development. It may also cover areas which serve as natural protection areas sheltering nearby developments against the effects of coastal erosion. The zone covers the coastal areas along the eastern side of Yi O Bay and the estuary of the Yi O stream to Yi O Bay, which primarily consist of mudflats, rocky shore, mangroves and coastal plants.
The draft Yi O 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 Sai Kung and Islands District Planning Office, the Islands District Offices at Harbour Building and in Mui Wo, and the Tai O Rural Committee.
Any person may make written representation in respect of the draft plan to the Secretary of the Town Planning Board on or before January 13, 2016.
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 on the Town Planning Board's website (www.info.gov.hk/tpb).
Ends/Friday, November 13, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:01
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