Secretary for Development Carrie Lam says the Government will formulate a development framework for new development areas like Long Valley, Kwu Tung North, taking into account public views and social interest.

She told lawmakers today zoning Long Valley as a comprehensive development and nature conservation enhancement area is only a proposal under the North East New Territories New Development Areas Planning & Engineering Study for public consultation.

"Taking into account all public comments received, we shall, in adopting the sustainable principle and on the basis of social and community benefit at large, formulate a development framework for the new development areas, including the Kwu Tung North New Development Area where Long Valley is located, at the next stage," Mrs Lam said.

An ecological survey at Long Valley and Ho Sheung Heung from July 2008 to June last year reaffirmed Long Valley's high ecological function, showing the wetland continues to be of high ecological importance for wetland birds which prefer freshwater roosting places.

It also revealed its core area of 26 hectares is of the greatest ecological importance for wetland birds. About 55% is actively managed for wetland agriculture, the main crops being water spinach and watercress. This, together with semi-natural marsh areas and the managed wetlands formed in the former meanders which make up a further 14% of the area, provides a suitable contiguous wetland habitat for both high diversity and high numbers of birds.

The survey showed small portions of Long Valley's outer areas, which are mainly occupied by dry agricultural land, grassland, woodland and dispersed rural farm structures, are ecologically less sensitive compared to the core area.