TNAG-0774-FCO40-978-Redevelopment-of-the-former-Kowloon-Canton-Railway-Station-1978 — Page 27

•

9.

IV, cont.

22. (cont)

(vi) it has buen stated that the time and cost of replanning

+

is an obstacle to the conservation of the K.C.R. building.

From the foregoing it is clear that plans have not advanced "beyond an early stage. It cannot be said that time and money will be wasted by replanning if such replanning will result in a better Cultural Complex which fulfils the wishes and expectations of Hong Kong residents.

V.

THE PLANNING

PROCESS.

1.

It is apparent that no proper consideration ia given to tha preservation of historio buildings in the planning process.

2.

The Antiquities Advisory Board, which was appointed on 1 January, 1977, was consulted on the K.C.R. buildings when it was told, and had to accept, that the plans had gone too far, and accordingly was forced to come to a compromise solution despite the fact that members of the Board wished to retain the whole building.

3.

The same situation will arise in regard to the Marine Police · Station and Hill. Draft Outline Zoning Plans concentrate on land use

There is no statutory and pay little regard to existing buildings. requirement in the Town Planning Ordinance to take into account historic buildings at an early stage of planning •

4. The Hong Kong Heritage Society proposes that planning in Hong Kong be revised as follows:-

(i) the Planning Department be separated from the Public Works

Department and be provided with its own statutory powers;

(ii) the planning process in Hong Kong be revised to furnish more

detailed dissemination of information on the plans and proposed lund use to the public in order to provide a system which solicits and obtains more public opinion.

/ p.10 VI.