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The Town Planning Board today (September 14) announced the publication of a new draft Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) for the Discovery Bay area.

The draft OZP covers a total land area of about 810 hectares. Its primary planning intention is to conserve the natural setting of the area and to allow for compatible low-density development, providing for a mix of residential and recreational uses.

The plan adopts the urban design concept of maintaining a car-free and low-density environment while concentrating commercial and major community and open space facilities at more accessible locations.

About 121 hectares of land are zoned "Residential (Group C)" for low-density housing development compatible with the sub-urban character. This zoning covers the existing and proposed residential areas in the Discovery Bay Development in Tai Pak and Yi Pak.

Another seven hectares are zoned "Residential (Group D)" to encourage improvement to existing temporary domestic structures and houses at Nim Shue Wan and Cheung Sha Lan. Very low-rise and low-density development may be permitted on application to the Town Planning Board.

About 189 hectares of land are zoned "Other Specified Uses" for specific uses such as commercial complex cum residential development, hotel, golf course, marina, sports and recreation club, staff quarters, petrol filling station, service area and reservoir, etc.

Some nine hectares of land are zoned "Government, Institution or Community" to demarcate existing and reserved sites for major GIC facilities serving the needs of the local population as well as visitors.

About 11 hectares of land are zoned "Open Space" to cover the existing beach in Tai Pak and the planned open spaces in Yi Pak.

The fringe areas in the central and southern parts are zoned "Green Belt" while the uplands in the west and north are zoned "Conservation Area" to define the limit of development and to protect the natural landscape. The two zones take up about 167 and 220 hectares respectively.

The mangrove area at Yi Pak and the coastal areas at Tai Pak, Sam Pak and Sze Pak are zoned "Coastal Protection Area" to protect the natural coastlines and coastal features. This zone covers about 13 hectares.

Part of the proposed Lantau North (Extension) Country Park, about 63 hectares, is also included in the OZP.

Development restrictions on building height, plot ratio or gross floor area are stipulated in the Notes for most of the land use zones in order to preserve the existing amenity and character of the area and to avoid excessive development.

The draft OZP No. S/I-DB/1 is now available for public inspection at the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, 15th Floor, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road; the Sai Kung and Islands District Planning Office, 11th Floor, Chinachem Golden Plaza, 77 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East; and the Islands District Office, 20th Floor, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central.

Any person affected by the draft plan may submit a written objection to the Secretary of the Town Planning Board on or before November 14, 2001.

Copies of the draft plan are available for sale at the Map Publications Centre in Yau Ma Tei and North Point.

End/Friday, September 14, 2001.

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