Planning Department receives petition
The Planning Department today (Tuesday) received a petition from villagers of Shan Pui Tsuen, Yuen Long. The petition relates to a change of zoning from "Village Typed Development" ("V") to "Conservation Area" ("CA") of a fish pond to the north of Shan Pui Tsuen on the draft Nam Sang Wai Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).
Referring to the background of the case, a spokesman for the department said that the subject was originally zoned "V" on the draft OZP prepared for Nam Sang Wai. The plan was presented to Yuen Long district board and Shap Pat Heung Rural Committee for consultation in September 1993.
At a meeting with the Rural Committee, a Committee member pointed out that the subject site was a "fung shui" pond and could not be developed.
It was suggested and subsequently confirmed by the chairman of Shap Pat Heung Rural Committee that the area to the south of Kam Tin River and east of Shan Pui Tsuen should be zoned "V" instead to cater for the increasing small house demand for villages in Kau Hai area.
In view of the request to preserve the "fung shui" pond and the fact that additional land has been identified for designating as "V" zone to meet small house demand, the zoning of the pond was changed from "V" to "CA" on the draft Nam Sang Wai OZP which was gazetted for public inspection on June 3 last year.
"The planning intention of 'CA' is to retain the existing natural characteristics of an area. New development will normally not be allowed unless it is required to support the conservation of the area's natural features and scenic qualities," the spokesman explained.
The village representatives have already submitted an objection to the draft OZP to the Town Planning Board. The objection will be processed under the provisions of the Town Planning Ordinance and it is expected that the objection would be considered by the Board early this year.
End Tuesday, January 3, 1995
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