The scope of the Wang Chau development study was adjusted in accordance with the Government’s decision to launch Phase 1 of the Wang Chau development first in early 2014.
The Government made the statement in response to media enquiries today.
Its original plan was to develop Wang Chau Phases 1, 2 and 3 as well as the Yuen Long Industrial Estate Extension as one works project when the study started.
As the Government decided not to develop Phase 1 along with Phases 2 and 3 and the Industrial Estate Extension in one go, the study did not pursue subjects associated with a joint development, such as a public consultation or environmental impact assessment.
Technical assessments specifically required for the rezoning of Phase 1 were added to the study.
Since the Phase 1 development only involves a site of 5.6 hectres with a future population of 12,000 people, an environmental impact assessment is not required under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance.
The study suggested informal consultations, as well as using two months to consult the Rural Committee and District Council, instead of the public consultation and community engagement it proposed at the beginning.
The study said there was no "insurmountable" difficulty in the development of Phases 1, 2 and 3. It was on that basis the Government has all along considered the public housing development in Phases 2 and 3 should go ahead.
However, the study found each of those three phases had to overcome their own difficulties and the difficulties facing Phase 2 and 3 were more complicated, so it was decided Phase 1 should be done first.
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