District councillors oppose first project under Hong Kong land sharing scheme
More than 10 council members oppose plan to build over 1,700 homes in Tai Po, citing transport capacity concerns
Hong Kong district councillors have opposed the construction of more than 1,700 homes in Tai Po under the first project in a government scheme to tap into private lots, citing concerns over the local area’s insufficient transport capacity.
In a meeting on Tuesday, more than 10 out of Tai Po’s 22 district councillors opposed the project. Some also urged Nan Fung Development to reconsider the plan rather than push ahead with construction works on the two sites, which have a combined area of 2.7 hectares (6.67 acres), on Lo Fai Road and Ting Kok Road.
Under the government scheme, landowners can apply to increase the development density of their lots. Successful applicants must also set aside at least 70 per cent of the increased floor area for affordable public sector housing.
In return, the government will carry out infrastructural improvements to enhance the land’s development intensity and accelerate the planning and project approval process.
Nan Fung Development is the first developer to submit a proposal to the scheme.
The developer’s project in Tai Po aims to create about 1,290 public housing and starter flats, in addition to 460 private homes. The proposed sites include two lots owned by the company that adjoin government land.
But several district councillors expressed reservations about the project.
