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1.Planned buildings 'will block sun, air'

1. Planned buildings `will block sun, air'
Winnie Chong, The Standard 9 March 2007

A number of legislators have opposed the construction of two tall buildings on Hong Kong Island's north shore facing Tsim Sha Tsui, saying they will have a wall effect and block air flow and sunlight in Central.

They also pointed out plans for these buildings were drawn up more than 10 years ago when the public had a different perception of town planning.

The objections were raised Thursday at a Legislative Council planning, lands and works panel meeting after the Planning Department raised a layout plan for a reclaimed prime site adjoining Central Piers No4 and No6 and the commercial site to the north of Two International Finance Centre.

One of proposed buildings is an office block 28 stories high, while the other is an 18-story hotel.

Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong legislator Choy So-yuk said the buildings are too high and will create a wall-like effect and prevent the circulation of air while blocking out the sunlight from parts of Central.

"Some 10 years ago, the public was not aware of similar problems, but now it has different views about town planning," Choy said.

Another DAB legislator, Chan Kam-lam, said the proposed site was intended for low-density development and should be utilized for both commercial and public use.

Independent legislator Kwok Ka-ki, a member of the Action Group on Protection of the Harbour, accused the government of looking at short-term gains instead of long-term benefits.

"I wonder if any international city would build two walls along the waterfront. It will block not only air ventilation but also the views from other buildings," he said.

"If one is looking for quick economic returns, then the best plan is to go 80 stories up. But it is significant the public no longer agrees with such buildings. We can't focus on short-term gains."

Kwok urged the government to reserve an open space for the public and to build commercial blocks in other places.

Planning Department chief town planner Phyllis Li Chi-miu said the proposed layout had been approved 13 years ago and had gone through the Regional Council.

She also stressed there was a high demand for top-grade commercial buildings in Central.