Draft Yi O Outline Zoning Plan approved
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"The approved OZP provides a statutory land use planning framework to guide development and redevelopment within the Yi O area," a spokesman for the Town Planning Board said today (March 24).
The planning scheme area covers Yi O and a site at Nga Ying Kok with a total area of about 23.34 hectares. 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, which is one of the sea bays along the north-western coast of Lantau Island. 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.
The general planning intention of the area 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 area.
About 0.38 hectares of land is zoned "Village Type Development" to designate land for both existing recognised village and areas of land considered suitable for village expansion.
About 3.53 hectares of land is zoned "Agriculture" to retain and safeguard good quality agricultural land/farm 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. In addition, some active and abandoned agricultural land and grassland areas are found in the southwestern part of the area. The abandoned agricultural land has good potential for rehabilitation for cultivation and other agricultural purposes and is worthy of preservation from an agricultural point of view.
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 18.05 hectares of land is zoned "Green Belt". This zone covers the natural vegetated areas which consist of streamcourses with their riparian areas 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. This zone covers the coastal areas along the eastern side of Yi O Bay and the estuary of the stream west of Yi O, which primarily consist of mudflats, rocky shore, mangroves and coastal plants.
The approved Yi O OZP No. S/I-YO/2 is now available for public inspection during office hours at the Secretariat of the 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 Office and its sub-office in Mui Wo and the Tai O Rural Committee.
Copies of the approved OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centres in North Point and Yau Ma Tei. The electronic version of the OZP can be viewed at the Board's website (www.info.gov.hk/tpb).
Ends/Friday, March 24, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:01
Issued at HKT 16:01
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