Members of the Land and Building Advisory Committee (LBAC) were briefed on the consultation document on review of built heritage conservation policy at a meeting today (May 3).
"Members generally welcome government's initiative in consulting the public on the broad policy objectives, principles and strategies of built heritage conservation," chairman of the committee, Professor Yeung Yue-man, said after the meeting.
"Members consider that as the society is progressing, and built heritage conservation can be very expensive, there is a need to strike a balance between conservation and progression. Some members think that it may not be worthwhile to conserve something transient, such as a way of life at a certain point in history," Professor Yeung added.
"Members note that currently private property owners do not have the incentive to preserve their properties that have conservation value. Members consider that government should exercise flexibility in the future conservation scheme so as to provide incentives to property owners to preserve their properties. In any case, private property rights should not be adversely affected," Professor Yeung said.
The committee was also briefed on the progress of the Development of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD). Members noted government's decision to introduce additional measures to step up public involvement in the selection of proposals for the WKCD development.
Ends/Monday, May 3, 2004
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