In view of public and media's concerns on certain construction works being carried out at Pak Sha O, Sai Kung, the Planning Department (PlanD), the District Lands Office, Tai Po (DLO), the Environmental Protection Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, conducted a joint inspection of the subject site this afternoon (October 24) with a view to ascertaining whether there is any non-compliance warranting their respective enforcement actions.
The inspection reveals that the construction works are being carried out on private agricultural land and do not fall within the boundaries of any country park. On the basis of observations made during the inspection today, and drawing reference to the relevant land lease conditions, there does not appear to be contravention of lease conditions from the existing use of the concerned sites.
DLO will also send a letter to the land owner reminding him of his responsibility to comply with the land lease conditions and other requirements, which include not to construct any structures on the agricultural land without permission. DLO has also confirmed that no application for small house development has been approved for the location concerned. If necessary, other departments will also send letters to the land owner reminding the concerned parties of their responsibility to comply with the relevant legal requirements.
Pak Sha O, Sai Kung is one of the country park enclaves. The relevant departments will continue to monitor closely whether there is any non-compliance in country park enclaves, and will expeditiously incorporate them into country parks or statutory plans according to the established mechanism.
"As stated in the 2010-11 Policy Address, the remaining 54 country park enclaves will be expeditiously incorporated into country parks or statutory plans so as to meet the conservation and social development needs, as well as to achieve a balance between the private and public interests. Statutory plans would be prepared by PlanD for around half of the enclaves. PlanD has already incorporated 19 enclaves into Development Permission Area (DPA) plans so far," a spokesperson for the Government said.
As regards the remaining country park enclaves which will be incorporated into DPA plans (including Pak Sha O, Sai Kung), PlanD will prioritise their preparation of DPA plans in accordance with the sites' conservation value, accessibility, likelihood of being affected by developments, visual value, geographical location, existing development situation, departmental resources, etc.
Ends/Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Issued at HKT 23:02
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