17
Private sector development of so substantial, an area, however, raises the question of the future administration of the area. In this case the developers have said that they would provide a. full range of facilities and services, in addition to public housing, and it clearly is an essential pre-condition of development that the developers should accept a normal pattern of urban administration. They may also have to accept that the proportion of public housing land required as part of the development should be very substantial.
18
As stated in paragraph 9 above, there have been several applications for piecemeal development in Yuen Long District, considera- tion of which has been deferred pending the North West Regional Study. A positive response to the owners of Tin Shui Wai would undoubtedly increase the pressure to respond to these applications. It would moreover stimulate fruther interest in development in the immediate locality - that is around Ha Tsuen and Lau Fau Shan.
Government's response
to these applications will depend very largely on whether they conform to the overall development pattern, which will be derived from the development studies referred to above. From a political stand-point, although a response to one development proposal does not commit Government to an equal response to others, it is very important
19
(a) that Government should move early into a position
where it can respond one way or another to outstanding applications; and
(b)
P
that any development investigations for Tin Shui Wai should include investigations of the areas adjoining them.
As will be stated in paragraph 22 below, early development of Tin Shui Wai will involve an earlier need for increases in Government administrative, professional and technical staff needed for this area.
The involvement of the China Resources Company
20
Although China Resources Company's involvement in the development appears to raise political issues, there is strong evidence that the Company's interest in this development is commercial rather than political. Besides it has to be accepted that, even if the Company did not at present hold a strong equity interest in the development, it would be difficult to prevent it or other bodies acquiring such an interest in the future. Again there is no certainty that it will not part with its interest at a later stage. Indeed, it is almost certain that it is the consordnun's Irtenton to part with the greater part of the development, either after the land formation or on completion of the construction of the lufluings.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.