Planning and Engineering Review of Potential Housing Sites in Tuen Mun East Area – Feasibility Study Stage 2 Public Consultation Report April 2009 CONTENT 1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 1 2. CONSULTATION ACTIVITIES ......................................................................... 2 3. OVERVIEW OF MAJOR COMMENTS AND VIEWS RECEIVED ................ 3 4. WAY FORWARD ................................................................................................. 4 APPENDICES Appendix I Comments from Public Forum Appendix Ia List of Invitees for the Stage 2 Public Forum on 6 December 2008 Appendix Ib List of Stage 2 Public Forum Attendees Appendix Ic Summary of Comments from Stage 2 Public Forum and Responses Appendix II Summary of Comments from Tuen Mun District Council and Responses Appendix III Comments from Written Submissions Appendix IIIa Summary of Comments from Written Submissions and Responses Appendix IIIb Copies of Written Submissions (Up to 6 January 2009) i Planning and Engineering Review of Potential Housing Sites in Tuen Mun East Area – Feasibility Study Stage 2 Public Consultation Report April 2009 1. Introduction The overall objectives of the Study are to examine the development potential and impact of the proposed developments of 14 study sites in the Study Area. In reviewing the development intensity of the 14 study sites, the Study also reviews the suitability of Site 14 for public rental housing development or private housing development. Detailed assessments will be carried out to ascertain the sustainability and feasibility of the proposed residential developments in terms of traffic and other infrastructure capacities, environment, Government, institution and community (GIC) facilities etc. The Study also reviews the overall development intensity of the Study Area. The findings of the Study will provide the basis for further detailed engineering investigation and detailed design for different packages of housing sites according to the priority for the disposal of housing sites for implementation of the necessary infrastructure upgrading works. The Study commenced in September 2007 and is jointly commissioned by Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) and Planning Department (PlanD). The Stage 1 Public Consultation was conducted between January and March 2008. In addition to consultation with the Tuen Mun District Council (TMDC), Town Planning Board (TPB) and local representatives, a public forum was held at the Tuen Mun Town Hall on 16 February 2008. Local residents and organizations, concerned green groups and TMDC members, etc. were invited to the public forum. Apart from comments and suggestions received at the aforesaid consultation sessions, written submissions were also received. The comments and responses have been incorporated in the Stage 1 Public Consultation Report, which is available at the CEDD and PlanD websites. The Stage 2 Public Consultation commenced in November 2008 and was completed in January 2009. The purpose of the Stage 2 Public Consultation was to seek comments and views from the public and concerned groups on the revised development scenario, including proposing private housing use for Site 14; retaining 5 sites for GIC uses; proposing low to medium densities for housing sites and recommending relevant road junction improvement measures. During the Stage 2 Public Consultation, a “Stage 2 Public Consultation Document” (PCD2) was provided for public inspection and a poster was distributed to residents of Tuen Mun East, TMDC members, concerned area committees, green groups and concerned parties, inviting their presence at the Stage 2 Public Forum (See Appendix I). The PCD2 was also uploaded to the websites of CEDD and PlanD for public viewing. During the Stage 2 consultation period, written comments were also received. This report presents the consultation activities undertaken in the Stage 2 Public Consultation and summarizes the major comments received on the revised development scenario together with the responses from relevant bureaux/departments and the Consultants. 1 Planning and Engineering Review of Potential Housing Sites in Tuen Mun East Area – Feasibility Study Stage 2 Public Consultation Report April 2009 2. Consultation Activities Consultation activities included three interviews with concerned members of TMDC, consultations with TMDC and TPB and Stage 2 Public Forum. Details of the consultation activities undertaken are listed below: Consultee Date Interview: Hon LAU Wong-fat (Chairman, Tuen Mun 17 November 2008 District Council) SO Shiu-shing (District Council Member of 17 November 2008 Sam Shing constituency in Tuen Mun District) LI Kwai-fong (District Council Member of 20 November 2008 Hanford constituency in Tuen Mun District) and representative of Tuen Mun East Development Concern Group Public Consultation: Tuen Mun District Council 27 November 2008 Town Planning Board 28 November 2008 Public Forum 6 December 2008 2.1 Interview Interviews were arranged with the Chairman of TMDC and District Council members of the concerned constituencies at early stage of the public consultation. The objectives of the Study and the revised development scenario were presented and their opinions were sought. Representatives of CEDD and PlanD attended these interviews with the assistance of the Consultants. District Council members generally welcomed the revised development scenario, but opined that the traffic problem should be tackled, e.g. giving consideration to the Tuen Mun to Tsuen Wan Railway proposal. One District Council member suggested that the ex-military site could be developed as a Quality Education City to upgrade the cultural quality of Tuen Mun East and to encourage external economy to promote development in the area. 2.2 Tuen Mun District Council We consulted the Working Group on Planning and Development of Tuen Mun under the TMDC on 27 November 2008. Members generally supported the revised development scenario but were concerned about the traffic arrangement arising from the proposed housing developments. There were views supporting reduction of development intensity and suggesting developing a shopping centre in the vicinity of Site 14. Some members opined that Site 4A was not suitable for secondary school development as the location was too secluded. Comments from TMDC and our responses are summarized in Appendix II. 2 Planning and Engineering Review of Potential Housing Sites in Tuen Mun East Area – Feasibility Study Stage 2 Public Consultation Report April 2009 2.3 Town Planning Board We consulted TPB on 28 November 2008. TPB noted the revised development scenario for the study sites and had no other view. 2.4 Public Forum The Stage 2 Public Forum was held at Cultural Activities Hall of the Tuen Mun Town Hall on 6 December 2008. The forum was chaired by PlanD, with the attendance of representatives from CEDD, Transport Department (TD), Hospital Authority and the Consultants. A total of 46 members of the public attended the forum. The lists of invitees and attendees for the Public Forum are enclosed in Appendices Ia and Ib respectively. A summary of comments and responses is enclosed in Appendix Ic. The consultation document and the poster were also uploaded to the websites of CEDD and PlanD at the commencement of the Stage 2 Public Consultation. Posters were also displayed at Tuen Mun District Office (TMDO), CEDD and PlanD offices. 2.5 Other Channels The public may offer their views through written submission. Three written submissions were received during the consultation period. A summary of comments and responses is enclosed in Appendix III. 3. Overview of Major Comments and Views Received Public views generally support maintaining the development intensity in Tuen Mun East at a low to medium level. They also welcome private housing development for Site 14 in Tuen Mun Area 56 and support retaining 5 sites for GIC uses. However, there are views that Site 4A is not suitable for secondary school development as the location is too secluded. In addition, there is a suggestion that some study sites should be retained for community development, such as “Quality Education City”, theatre, Chinese-Western Cultural Hall, hospital and recreational use, as well as commercial shopping facilities. There are concerns about the traffic impact of the proposed development of 14 study sites that may aggravate traffic congestion at Castle Peak Road and Tuen Mun Road and the lack of mass transit system to meet future public transport needs in the area. There are views from village representatives/villagers suggesting retention of some land for village expansion. Summaries of public comments and views collected from the Public Forum, TMDC and other channels and corresponding responses are provided in Appendices I to III. 3 Planning and Engineering Review of Potential Housing Sites in Tuen Mun East Area – Feasibility Study Stage 2 Public Consultation Report April 2009 4. Way Forward Following the Stage 2 Public Consultation, we will complete the remaining parts of the Study based on the revised development scenario, including finalizing various technical assessments, such as traffic impact assessment, environmental review, air ventilation assessment etc. Public views received in the Stage 2 Public Consultation will be taken into account. Upon completion of the detailed technical assessments, development parameters (e.g. developable areas of study sites) may be refined. The