XCC(78)40
14
(c) The UMELCO proposals, if adopted, are likely to provoke
a strong adverse reaction from the general public, although they will be welcomed by the real estate de- velopers interested in developing the valuable sites so provided.
Whichever proposal is adopted, there is likely to be criticism in the news media. It is likely that newspapers will be divided on the merits of how much commercial and residential development there should be. Some of them, particularly the English language papers, strongly favour a significant allocation of the land for public amenity and, if the Government is seen to be more concerned with revenue, the comments of pressure groups and individuals critical of the choice will receive considerable coverage.
15
Depending on which set of proposals it is decided to adopt, a decision will have to be made as to whether to publish only the plan finally approved or whether the alternative proposals should also be publicised, in which case debate is likely to be protracted. The public is aware of the existence of the Szeto Committee report and the press has reported on the preparation of a plan by UMELCO. There may, therefore, be pressure to publish both reports.
Decision Sought
16
Honourable Members will be asked to advise:
(a) whether the planning proposals:
(i) (ii)
(iii)
(iv)
of the Victoria Barracks Planning Committee; described in this memorandum as the Public Works Department proposals, as slightly amended and shown in Annex F;
of UMELCO, as shown in Annex B; or
in another form,
should be adopted;
(b) whether the Victoria Barracks Planning Committee should be shown the proposals to be adopted before they are published;
(c) which proposals should be published.
(The Secretary for the Environment (Mr D. J. C. JONES) and the Director of Public Works (Mr D. W. McDONALD) will attend before the Council for the discussion of this item).
5th May 1978
(CR 4/4841/77)
CONFIDENTIAL ##
COUNCIL CHAMBER
機密
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.